[1] Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. [2] A fool hath no delight in understanding, unless his heart may discover itself. [3] When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt; and with ignominy, reproach. [4] The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. [5] It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment. [6] A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for blows. [7] A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. [8] The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. [9] He that is slothful in his work is a brother to him that is a great waster. [10] The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it and is safe. [11] The rich man's wealth is his stronghold, and as a high wall in his own conceit. [12] Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility. [13] He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. [14] The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit, who can bear? [15] The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. [16] A man's gift maketh room for him and bringeth him before great men. [17] He that first states his own cause seemeth just, but then his neighbor cometh and searcheth him. [18] Casting lots causeth contentions to cease, and parteth the strife of the mighty. [19] An offended brother is harder to be won back than a stronghold city, and his contentions are like the bars of a castle. [20] A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the harvest of his lips shall he be filled. [21] Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. [22] Whosoever findeth a wife findeth a good thing and obtaineth the favor of the LORD. [23] The poor useth entreaties, but the rich answereth roughly. [24] A man that hath friends must show himself friendly, and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
