[1] He who separates himself seeks his own desire; he seeks and quarrels against all wisdom. [2] A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart. [3] When the wicked comes, then comes also contempt, and with dishonor 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 favor the wicked, or to turn aside the righteous in judgment. [6] A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for flogging. [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 body. [9] He also who is slothful in his work is brother to him who is a great waster. [10] The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe. [11] The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own conceit. [12] Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honor 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 will sustain his infirmity, but a wounded spirit who can bear? [15] The heart of the prudent 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] He who is first in his own cause seems just, but his neighbor comes and searches him. [18] The lot causes contentions to cease, and keeps the mighty ones apart. [19] A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, and their contentions are like the bars of a castle. [20] A man's stomach will be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips will he be filled. [21] Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. [22] Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of the LORD. [23] The poor man uses entreaties, but the rich man answers roughly. [24] A man who has friends must show himself friendly, and there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
