1One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.

2A fool does not delight in understanding, but only wants to show off his opinions.

3When a wicked man comes, contempt also does, and along with dishonor, disgrace.

4The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.

5It is not good to show partiality to the guilty by perverting the justice due the innocent.

6A fool's lips lead to strife, and his mouth provokes a beating.

7A fool's mouth is his devastation, and his lips are a trap for his life.

8A gossip's words are like choice food that goes down to one's innermost being.

9The one who is truly lazy in his work is brother to a vandal.

10The name of Yahweh is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected.

11A rich man's wealth is his fortified city; in his imagination it is like a high wall.

12Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.

13The one who gives an answer before he listens-- this is foolishness and disgrace for him.

14A man's spirit can endure sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?

15The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it.

16A gift opens doors for a man and brings him before the great.

17The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.

18Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates powerful opponents.

19An offended brother is harder to reach than a fortified city, and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.

20From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is satisfied; he is filled with the product of his lips.

21Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

22A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.

23The poor man pleads, but the rich one answers roughly.

24A man with many friends may be harmed, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.