^1. HE who separates himself seeks his own desire, He [1] quarrels against all sound wisdom.

^2. A fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own [2] mind.

^3. When a wicked man comes, contempt also comes, And with dishonor comes scorn.

^4. The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; [3] The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

^5. To show partiality to the wicked is not good, Nor to thrust aside the righteous in judgment.

^6. A fool's lips [4] bring strife, And his mouth calls for blows.

^7. A fool's mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul.

^8. The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the [5] innermost parts of the body.

^9. He also who is slack in his work Is brother to him who destroys.

^10. The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is [6] safe.

^11. A rich man's wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own imagination.

^12. Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, But humility goes before honor.

^13. He who gives an answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him.

^14. The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, But as for a broken spirit who can bear it?

^15. The [7] mind 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 [9] to plead his case seems right, Until [8] another comes and examines him.

^18. The cast lot puts an end to strife And [10] decides between the mighty ones.

^19. A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a citadel.

^20. With the [11] fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be satisfied; He will be satisfied with the product of his lips.

^21. Death and life are in the [12] 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 utters supplications, But the rich man answers roughly.

^24. A man of too many friends comes to [14] ruin, But there is a [13] friend who sticks closer than a brother.