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.
18 The lot settles disputes, And separates between the mighty.