1 One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires;

he rebels against all sound wisdom.

2 A fool does not delight in understanding,

but only wants to show off his opinions.  *,*

3 When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes,

and along with dishonor, derision.

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

a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.  *

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

denying an innocent person justice.  *

6 A fool’s lips lead to strife,

and his mouth provokes a beating.  *

7 A fool’s mouth is his devastation,

and his lips are a trap for his life.  *

8 A gossip’s words are like choice food

that goes down to one’s innermost being.  *,*

9 The one who is lazy in his work

is brother to a vandal.  *,*

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

the righteous run to it and are protected.  *,*

11 The wealth of the rich is his fortified city;

in his imagination it is like a high wall.  *

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

but humility comes before honor.  *

13 The one who gives an answer before he listens —

this is foolishness and disgrace for him.  *

14 A person’s spirit can endure sickness,

but who can survive a broken spirit?  *

15 The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,

and the ear of the wise seeks it.  *

16 A person’s gift opens doors  * for him

and brings him before the great.  *

17 The first to state his case seems right

until another comes and cross-examines him.  *

18 Casting the lot  * ends quarrels

and separates powerful opponents.

19 An offended brother is harder to reach  *

than a fortified city,

and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.

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

he is filled with the product of his lips.  *

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

and those who love it will eat its fruit.  *

22 A man who finds a wife finds a good thing  *

and obtains favor from the  Lord.  *

23 The poor person pleads,  *

but the rich one answers roughly.  *

24 One with many friends may be harmed,  *

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