1 A person who isn't friendly looks out only for himself. He opposes all good sense.
2 A foolish person doesn't want to understand. He takes delight in saying only what he thinks.
3 People hate it when evil comes. And they refuse to honor those who bring shame.
4 The words of a person's mouth are like deep water. But the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.
5 It isn't good to favor those who do wrong. And it isn't good to hold back what is fair from those who aren't guilty.
6 What a foolish person says leads to arguing. He is just asking for a beating.
7 The words of a foolish person drag him down. He is trapped by what he says.
8 The words of anyone who talks about others are like tasty bites of food. They go deep down inside you.
9 Anyone who doesn't want to work is like someone who destroys.
10 The name of the Lord is like a strong tower. Godly people run to it and are safe.
11 The wealth of rich people is like a city that makes them feel safe. They think of it as a city with walls that can't be climbed.
12 If a man's heart is proud, he will be destroyed. So don't be proud if you want to be honored.
13 To answer before listening is foolish and shameful.
14 A man's cheerful heart gives him strength when he is sick. You can't keep going if you have a broken spirit.
15 Those whose hearts understand what is right get knowledge. The ears of those who are wise listen for it.
16 A gift opens the way for the one who gives it. It helps him meet important people.
17 The first one to tell his case seems right. Then someone else comes forward and questions him.
18 Casting lots will put a stop to arguing. It will keep the strongest enemies apart.
19 A broken friendship is harder to deal with than a city that has high walls around it. And arguing is like the locked gates of a mighty city.
20 A man can fill his stomach with what he says. The words from his lips can satisfy him.
21 Your tongue has the power of life and death. Those who love to talk will eat the fruit of their words.
22 The one who finds a wife finds what is good. He receives favor from the Lord.
23 Poor people beg for mercy. But rich people answer in a mean way.