1 Whoever *isolates himself seeks his own desire;

he breaks out against all sound judgment.

2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,

but only *in expressing his opinion.

3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also,

and with dishonor comes disgrace.

4 The words of a man’s mouth are *deep waters;

the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

5 It is not good to *be partial to* the wicked

or to *deprive the righteous of justice.

6 A fool’s lips walk into a fight,

and his mouth invites *a beating.

7 *A fool’s mouth is his ruin,

and his lips are a snare to his soul.

8 *The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;

they go down into *the inner parts of the body.

9 Whoever is slack in his work

is a *brother to him who destroys.

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

the righteous man runs into it and *is safe.

11 *A rich man’s wealth is his strong city,

and like a high wall in his imagination.

12 *Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty,

but *humility comes before honor.

13 If one gives an answer *before he hears,

it is his folly and shame.

14 A man’s spirit will endure sickness,

but *a crushed spirit who can bear?