1 A man, having separated himself, seeks his own desire, and rages against all sound wisdom.

2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but that his heart may express itself.

3 When the wicked comes, then comes also contempt, and with dishonor comes reproach.

4 The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom like a flowing brook.

5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked, or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for blows.

7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

8 The words of a talebearer are like tasty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runs into it, and is safe.

11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own esteem.

12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honor is humility.

13 He that answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame unto him.

14 The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

15 The heart of the prudent gets knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16 A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.

17 He that speaks first in his own cause seems just; until his neighbor comes and examines him.

18 The lot causes contentions to cease, and decides between the mighty.

19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and contentions are like the bars of a castle.

20 A man's stomach shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

22 Whosoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of the LORD.

23 The poor uses entreaties; but the rich answers roughly.

24 A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.