1He that separateth himself seeketh [his own] desire,
2A fool hath no delight in understanding,
3When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt,
4The words of a man's mouth are [as] deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is [as] a flowing brook.
5To respect the person of the wicked is not good,
6A fool's lips enter into contention,
7A fool's mouth is his destruction,
8The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels,
9He also that is slack in his work
10The name of Yahweh is a strong tower; The righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
11The rich man's wealth is his strong city,
12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor [goeth] humility.
13He that giveth answer before he heareth,
14The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear?
15The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
16A man's gift maketh room for him,
17He that pleadeth his cause first [seemeth] just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out.
18The lot causeth contentions to cease,
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 shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied.
21Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
22Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing,
23The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly.
24He that maketh many friends [doeth it] to his own destruction; But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.