1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding,but that his heart may discover itself.
3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt,and with ignominy reproach.
4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked,to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool's lips enter into contention,and his mouth calleth for strokes.
7 A fool's mouth is his destruction,and his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds,and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
9 He also that is slothful in his workis brother to him that is a great waster.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower:the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city,and as a high wall in his own conceit.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty;and before honor is humility.
13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it,it is folly and shame unto him.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity;but a wounded spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge;and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
16 A man's gift maketh room for him,and bringeth him before great men.
17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just;but his neighbor cometh and searcheth him.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease,and parteth between the mighty.
19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city:and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue:and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing,and obtaineth favor of the Lord.
23 The poor useth entreaties;but the rich answereth roughly.
24 A man that hath friends must show himself friendly:and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.