1He that separates himself seeks [his own] desire; he breaks out against all sound wisdom. 2A fool has no delight in understanding, but only that his heart may lay itself bare. 3When the wicked comes, scorn also comes, and with shame comes reproach. 4The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters; the fountain of wisdom [is like] a flowing stream. 5[It is] not good to favor the person of the wicked, [nor] to overthrow the righteous in judgment. 6A fool's lips enter into argument, and his mouth calls for strokes. 7A fool's mouth [is] his destruction, and his lips [are] the snare of his soul. 8The words of a talebearer [are] as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. 9Also he who is slack in his work is brother to a great destroyer. 10The name of the LORD [is] a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. 11The rich man's wealth [is] his strong city, and as a high wall in his own mind. 12Before shattering, the heart of man is proud, and before honor [is] humility. 13If one answers a matter before he hears, it [is] folly and shame to him. 14The spirit of a man will nourish his sickness, but a wounded spirit who can bear? 15The heart of the prudent gets knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 16A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. 17The first in his cause [seems] just, [but] his neighbor comes and searches him. 18The lot causes arguments to cease, and divides between the mighty. 19A brother offended [is like] a strong city; and [their] disagreements [are] like the bars of a fortress. 20A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; he shall be satisfied with the product of his lips. 21Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue, and those who love it shall eat the fruit of it. 22[Whoever] finds a wife finds good and gets favor from the LORD. 23The poor speaks humble requests, but the rich answers roughly. 24A man who has friends may be broken up, but there is a Lover who sticks closer than a brother.