Proverbs

¹³To answer before listening— that is folly and shame. ¹⁴The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? ¹⁵The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. ¹⁶A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great. ¹⁷In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines. ¹⁸Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart. ¹⁹A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.