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 reveal itself. 3When the wicked comes, contempt also comes, and with dishonor comes reproach. 4The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream. 5It is not good to favor the person of the wicked, nor to overthrow the righteous in judgment. 6A fool’s lips enter into strife, 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 gulped down, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. 9He, also, who is slothful in his work is brother to a ruler who destroys. 10The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; the righteous one runs into it and is safe. 11The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own imagination. 12Prior to shattering, the heart of man is haughty; and before honor is humility. 13He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him. 14The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear a stricken spirit? 15The heart of the prudent acquires 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 to plead his case seems just, until his neighbor comes and cross-examines him. 18Casting lots puts an end to contentions, and separates the mighty from each other. 19A brother offended is like a strong city, and their contentions are like the bars of a fortress. 20A man’s belly shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; he shall be satisfied with the produce of his lips. 21Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it shall eat the fruit of it. 22He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from Jehovah. 23The poor speaks humble requests, but the rich answers roughly. 24A man and his friends may be broken up, but there is a love that sticks closer than a brother.