1 He who separates himself seeks [his own] desire, And rages against all sound wisdom.2 A fool has no delight in understanding, But only that his heart may reveal itself.3 When the wicked comes, there comes also contempt, And with ignominy [comes] reproach.4 The words of a man's mouth are [as] deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is [as] a gushing brook.5 To respect the person of the wicked is not good, [Nor] to turn aside the righteous in judgment.6 A fool's lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for stripes.7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.8 The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.9 He also who is slack in his work Is brother to him who is a destroyer.10 The name of Yahweh is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it, and is safe.11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, And as a high wall in his own imagination.12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor [goes] humility.13 He who gives answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him.14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear?15 The heart of the prudent gets knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.16 A gift of man makes room for him, And brings him before great men.17 He who pleads his cause first [seems] just; But his fellow man comes and searches him out.18 The lot causes contentions to cease, And parts between the mighty.19 A brother offended [is harder to be won] than a strong city; And [such] contentions are like the bars of a castle.20 A man's belly will be filled with the fruit of his mouth; With the increase of his lips he will be satisfied.21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And those who love it will eat its fruit.22 Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor of Yahweh.23 The poor uses entreaties; But the rich answers roughly.24 He who has many companions [does it] to his own destruction; But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.