16 A man’s gift makes room for him, and leads him before great men.
17 The first to state his case seems just, until another comes and cross-examines him.
18 Casting lots ends quarrels and decides between mighty opponents.
19 An offended brother is more formidable than a fortified city, and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.
20 From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled— with the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.
21 Death and life are in the control of the tongue. Those who indulge in it will eat its fruit.
22 Whoever finds a wife finds good, and receives favor from Adonai.