1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeks [and] intermeddles with all wisdom.

2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover (uncover; reveal; have first sight of) itself.

3 When the wicked cometh, [then] cometh also contempt, and with contempt (shame; dishonor) reproach (disgrace; shame).

4 The words of a man’s mouth [are as] deep waters, [and] the wellspring of wisdom [as] a flowing brook.

5 [It is] not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

6 A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for strokes.

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

8 The words of a talebearer [are] as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

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

10 The name of the LORD-Yehōvah [Messiah Pre-Incarnate] [is] a strong tower: the righteous runs into it, and is safe.

11 The rich man’s wealth [is] his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

12 Before destruction the heart of man is arrogant (proud; lifted up), and before honour [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 his infirmity; 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 is] first in his own cause [seems] just; but his neighbour cometh and searches him.

18 The Lot [Covering] causes contentions to cease, and parts between the mighty.

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

20 A man’s belly 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 [Whoso] finds a wife finds a good [thing], and obtains favour of the LORD-Yehōvah [Messiah Pre-Incarnate].

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.