[1] A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment. [2] A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart. [3] When the wicked comes, contempt comes also; And with dishonor comes reproach. [4] The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook. [5] It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, Or to overthrow the righteous in judgment. [6] A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows. [7] A fool’s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul. [8] The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body. [9] He who is slothful in his work Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer. [10] The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. [11] The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own esteem. [12] Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility. [13] He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him. [14] The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit? [15] The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. [16] A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men. [17] The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him. [18] Casting lots causes contentions to cease, And keeps the mighty apart. [19] A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle. [20] A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; From the produce of his lips he shall be filled. [21] Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. [22] He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the Lord. [23] The poor man uses entreaties, But the rich answers roughly. [24] A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.