1A man of solitude who keeps to himselfisolates himself seeks his own selfish desire. He objects to sound wisdom. 2A fool stupid person does not like understanding when revealing his thoughts. 3When the wicked comes contempt also comes. Dishonor brings reproach. 4The words of a man's mouth are deep waters. It is like a flowing brook and a wellspring of wisdom. 5It is not good to accept the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment. 6A fool's lips want to argue. His mouth calls for blows. 7A fool's mouth is his ruin. His lips are the snares of his life. 8The words of a talebearer cause wounds. They plunge down to the innermost parts. 9He is lazy in his work. His brother destroys. 10The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. The righteous runs into it for protection. 11The rich man's wealth is his strong city. It is his high wall of vanity. 12Before destruction the heart of man is prideful. Humility comes before honor and glory. 13It is foolishness and shame to answer a matter before you hear it. 14The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness. So who can tolerate a wounded spirit? 15The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge. The ear of the wise one searches for knowledge. 16A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. 17The first to present his cause seems right. But another comes and examines him. 18The cast lot causes contentions to cease and decides between the mighty ones. 19A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city. Their arguments are like the bars of a castle. 20A man's stomach will be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth. He will be filled with the produce from his lips. 21Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Those who love it will eat the fruit. 22The man who finds a wife finds a good thing. He obtains favor from Jehovah. 23The poor man requests and the rich man answers out of greed. 24A man with friends must be friendly! A friend sticks closer than a brother.