1He that separateth himself from God seeketh his own desires: at every sound wisdom is he enraged. 2A fool hath no delight in understanding, but in laying open what is in his heart. 3When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with dishonorable acts, disgrace. 4Like deep waters are the words of a wise man’s mouth, and a bubbling brook is the well–spring of wisdom. 5It is not good to favor the person of the wicked, to wrest the cause of the righteous in judgment. 6The lips of the fool come with contention, and his mouth calleth for blows. 7The mouth of the fool is a destruction to himself, and his lips are the snare of his soul. 8The words of a whisperer are as wounds, and they go down indeed into the innermost parts of the body. 9He also that showeth himself slothful in his work is a brother to the destroyer. 10The name of the Lord is a strong tower, whereunto the righteous runneth, and is placed in safety. 11The rich man’s wealth is his strong town, and as a towering wall in his own conceit. 12Before downfall the heart of man becometh haughty, and before honor goeth humility. 13When one returneth an answer before he understandeth the question, it is folly unto him and shame. 14The spirit of a man will readily bear his disease; but a depressed spirit who can bear: 15The heart of the man of understanding will obtain knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. 16A man’s gift maketh room for him, and before great men will it lead him. 17He that is first in his cause seemeth just; but when his neighbor cometh, then will it be investigated. 18The lot causeth disputes to cease, and it decideth between the mighty. 19A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong town; and quarrels among brothers are like the bars of a castle. 20From the fruit of a man’s mouth is his body satisfied; with the product of his lips doth he satisfy himself. 21Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it will eat its fruit. 22Whoso hath found a wife hath found happiness, and hath obtained favor from the Lord. 23The poor speaketh entreatingly; but the rich answereth roughly. 24A man’s many companions are hurtful to him; but there is many a friend that cleaveth closer than a brother.