1The one who lives alone is self-indulgent,
    showing contempt for all who have sound judgment.[a]
2A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,
    but only in expressing personal opinion.
3When wickedness comes, contempt comes also;
    and with dishonor comes disgrace.
4The words of the mouth are deep waters;
    the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.
5It is not right to be partial to the guilty,
    or to subvert the innocent in judgment.
6A fool’s lips bring strife,
    and a fool’s mouth invites a flogging.
7The mouths of fools are their ruin,
    and their lips a snare to themselves.
8The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
    they go down into the inner parts of the body.
9One who is slack in work
    is close kin to a vandal.
10The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
    the righteous run into it and are safe.
11The wealth of the rich is their strong city;
    in their imagination it is like a high wall.
12Before destruction one’s heart is haughty,
    but humility goes before honor.
13If one gives answer before hearing,
    it is folly and shame.
14The human spirit will endure sickness;
    but a broken spirit—who can bear?
15An intelligent mind acquires knowledge,
    and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16A gift opens doors;
    it gives access to the great.
17The one who first states a case seems right,
    until the other comes and cross-examines.
18Casting the lot puts an end to disputes
    and decides between powerful contenders.
19An ally offended is stronger than a city;[b]
    such quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
20From the fruit of the mouth one’s stomach is satisfied;
    the yield of the lips brings satisfaction.
21Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
    and those who love it will eat its fruits.
22He who finds a wife finds a good thing,
    and obtains favor from the Lord.
23The poor use entreaties,
    but the rich answer roughly.
24Some[c] friends play at friendship[d]
    but a true friend sticks closer than one’s nearest kin.