1He who separates himself seeks [his own] desire, And rages against all sound wisdom. 2A fool has no delight in understanding, But only that his heart may reveal itself. 3When the wicked comes, there comes also contempt, And with ignominy [comes] reproach. 4The words of a man's mouth are [as] deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is [as] a gushing brook. 5To respect the person of the wicked is not good, [Nor] to turn aside the righteous in judgment. 6A fool's lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for stripes. 7A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul. 8The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts. 9He also who is slack in his work Is brother to him who is a destroyer. 10The name of Yahweh is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it, and is safe. 11The rich man's wealth is his strong city, And as a high wall in his own imagination. 12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor [goes] humility. 13He who gives answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him. 14The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear? 15The heart of the prudent gets knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 16A gift of man makes room for him, And brings him before great men. 17He who pleads his cause first [seems] just; But his fellow man comes and searches him out. 18The lot causes contentions to cease, And parts between the mighty. 19A brother offended [is harder to be won] than a strong city; And [such] contentions are like the bars of a castle. 20A man's belly will be filled with the fruit of his mouth; With the increase of his lips he will be satisfied. 21Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And those who love it will eat its fruit. 22Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor of Yahweh. 23The poor uses entreaties; But the rich answers roughly. 24He who has many companions [does it] to his own destruction; But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.