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.a, b

3When a wicked man comes, contempt also does,

and along with dishonor, disgrace.

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

a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.d

5It is not good to show partiality to the •guiltye

by perverting the justice due the innocent.f

6A fool’s lips lead to strife,

and his mouth provokes a beating.g

7A fool’s mouth is his devastation,

and his lips are a trap for his life.h

8A gossip’s words are like choice food

that goes down to one’s innermost being.i, j

9The one who is truly lazy in his work

is brother to a vandal.k, l

10The name of •Yahweh is a strong tower;m

the righteous run to it and are protected.n, o

11A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city;

in his imagination it is like a high wall.p

12Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud,q

but humility comes before honor.r

13The one who gives an answer before he listens —

this is foolishness and disgrace for him.s

14A man’s spirit can endure sickness,

but who can survive a broken spirit?t

15The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,

and the ear of the wise seeks it.u

16A gift opens doorsv for a man

and brings him before the great.w

17The first to state his case seems right

until another comes and cross-examines him.x

18Casting the loty ends quarrels

and separates powerful opponents.

19An offended brother is harder to reachz

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.aa

21Life and death are in the power of the tongue,

and those who love it will eat its fruit.ab

22A man who finds a wife finds a good thingac

and obtains favor from the LORD.ad

23The poor man pleads,ae

but the rich one answers roughly.af

24A man with many friends may be harmed,ag

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