11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own imagination.
12 Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before esteem is humility.
13 He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.
14 The spirit of a man sustains him in sickness, But who does bear a broken spirit?
15 The heart of the understanding one gets knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.
17 The first to state his own case, seems right, Until another comes and examines him.