1 He who [willfully] separates himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire,

He quarrels against all sound wisdom.

2 A [closed-minded] fool does not delight in understanding,

But only in revealing his personal opinions [unwittingly displaying his self-indulgence and his stupidity].

3 When the wicked man comes [to the depth of evil], contempt [of all that is pure and good] also comes,

And with inner baseness (dishonor) comes outer shame (scorn).

4 The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters [copious and difficult to fathom];

The fountain of [mature, godly] wisdom is like a bubbling stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving].

5 To show respect to the wicked person is not good,

Nor to push aside and deprive the righteous of justice.

6 A fool’s lips bring contention and strife,

And his mouth invites a beating.

7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin,

And his lips are the snare of his soul.

8 The words of a whisperer (gossip) are like dainty morsels [to be greedily eaten];

They go down into the innermost chambers of the body [to be remembered and mused upon].

9 He who is careless in his work

Is a brother to him who destroys.

10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower;

The righteous runs to it and is safe and set on high [far above evil].

11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,

And like a high wall [of protection] in his own imagination and conceit.

12 Before disaster the heart of a man is haughty and filled with self-importance,

But humility comes before honor.

13 He who answers before he hears [the facts]—

It is folly and shame to him. [John 7:51]

14 The spirit of a man sustains him in sickness,

But as for a broken spirit, who can bear it?