Proverbs

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. ²⁰From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. ²¹The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. ²²He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord. ²³The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.