1 SEGUN su antojo busca el que se desvía, Y se entremete en todo negocio.2 No toma placer el necio en la inteligencia, Sino en lo que su corazón se descubre.3 Cuando viene el impío, viene también el menosprecio, Y con el deshonrador la afrenta.4 Aguas profundas son las palabras de la boca del hombre; Y arroyo revertiente, la fuente de la sabiduría.5 Tener respeto á la persona del impío, Para hacer caer al justo de su derecho, no es bueno.6 Los labios del necio vienen con pleito; Y su boca á cuestiones llama.7 La boca del necio es quebrantamiento para sí, Y sus labios son lazos para su alma.8 Las palabras del chismoso parecen blandas, Y descienden hasta lo íntimo del vientre.9 También el que es negligente en su obra Es hermano del hombre disipador.10 Torre fuerte es el nombre de Jehová: A él correrá el justo, y será levantado.11 Las riquezas del rico son la ciudad de su fortaleza, Y como un muro alto en su imaginación.12 Antes del quebrantamiento se eleva el corazón del hombre, Y antes de la honra es el abatimiento.13 El que responde palabra antes de oir, Le es fatuidad y oprobio.14 El ánimo del hombre soportará su enfermedad: Mas ¿quién soportará al ánimo angustiado?15 El corazón del entendido adquiere sabiduría; Y el oído de los sabios busca la ciencia.16 El presente del hombre le ensancha el camino, Y le lleva delante de los grandes.17 El primero en su propia causa parece justo; Y su adversario viene, y le sondea.18 La suerte pone fin á los pleitos, Y desparte los fuertes.19 El hermano ofendido es más tenaz que una ciudad fuerte: Y las contiendas de los hermanos son como cerrojos de alcázar.20 Del fruto de la boca del hombre se hartará su vientre; Hartaráse del producto de sus labios.21 La muerte y la vida están en poder de la lengua; Y el que la ama comerá de sus frutos.22 El que halló esposa halló el bien, Y alcanzó la benevolencia de Jehová.23 El pobre habla con ruegos; Mas el rico responde durezas.24 El hombre que tiene amigos, ha de mostrarse amigo: Y amigo hay más conjunto que el hermano.

1 He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense.2 A foolish man has no pleasure in good sense, but only to let what is in his heart come to light.3 When the evil-doer comes, a low opinion comes with him, and with the loss of honour comes shame.4 The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters: the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.5 To have respect for the person of the evil-doer is not good, or to give a wrong decision against the upright.6 A foolish man's lips are a cause of fighting, and his mouth makes him open to blows.7 The mouth of a foolish man is his destruction, and his lips are a net for his soul.8 The words of one who says evil of his neighbour secretly are like sweet food, and go down into the inner parts of the stomach.9 He who does not give his mind to his work is brother to him who makes destruction.10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the upright man running into it is safe.11 The property of a man of wealth is his strong town, and it is as a high wall in the thoughts of his heart.12 Before destruction the heart of man is full of pride, and before honour goes a gentle spirit.13 To give an answer before hearing is a foolish thing and a cause of shame.14 The spirit of a man will be his support when he is ill; but how may a broken spirit be lifted up?15 The heart of the man of good sense gets knowledge; the ear of the wise is searching for knowledge.16 A man's offering makes room for him, letting him come before great men.17 The man who first puts his cause before the judge seems to be in the right; but then his neighbour comes and puts his cause in its true light.18 The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong.19 A brother wounded is like a strong town, and violent acts are like a locked tower.20 With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be full; the produce of his lips will be his in full measure.21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those to whom it is dear will have its fruit for their food.22 Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord.23 The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer.24 There are friends who may be a man's destruction, but there is a lover who keeps nearer than a brother.