1One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires;

he rebels against all sound wisdom.

2A fool does not delight in understanding,

but only wants to show off his opinions.a a

3When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes,

and along with dishonor, derision.

4The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters,a

a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.A

5It is not good to show partiality to the guilty,a

denying an innocent person justice.b

6A fool’s lips lead to strife,

and his mouth provokes a beating.a

7A fool’s mouth is his devastation,

and his lips are a trap for his life.a

8A gossip’s words are like choice food

that goes down to one’s innermost being.a a

9The one who is lazy in his work

is brother to a vandal.a a

10The name of the Lord is a strong tower;a

the righteous run to it and are protected.a b

11The wealth of the rich is his fortified city;

in his imagination it is like a high wall.a

12Before his downfall a person’s heart is proud,a

but humility comes before honor.b

13The one who gives an answer before he listens —

this is foolishness and disgrace for him.a

14A person’s spirit can endure sickness,

but who can survive a broken spirit?a

15The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,

and the ear of the wise seeks it.a

16A person’s gift opens doorsA for him

and brings him before the great.a

17The first to state his case seems right

until another comes and cross-examines him.a

18Casting the lota ends quarrels

and separates powerful opponents.

19An offended brother is harder to reachA

than a fortified city,

and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.

20From the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach is satisfied;

he is filled with the product of his lips.a

21Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

and those who love it will eat its fruit.a

22A man who finds a wife finds a good thinga

and obtains favor from the Lord.b

23The poor person pleads,a

but the rich one answers roughly.b

24One with many friends may be harmed,A

but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.a