• 1 He who separates himself seeks his own desire, He breaks out in dispute against all sound wisdom.
  • 2 A fool does not delight in discernment, But only in revealing his own heart.
  • 3 When a wicked man comes, despising also comes, And with disgrace comes reproach.
  • 4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a flowing brook.
  • 5 To show partiality to the wicked is not good, Nor to thrust aside the righteous in judgment.
  • 6 A fool’s lips come with strife, And his mouth calls for beatings.
  • 7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul.
  • 8 The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the stomach.
  • 9 He also who is slack in his work Is brother to him who destroys.
  • 10 The name of Yahweh is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is set securely on high.
  • 11 A rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own delusion.
  • 12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, But humility goes before glory.
  • 13 He who responds with a word before he hears, It is folly and shame to him.
  • 14 The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, But as for a broken spirit, who can bear it?
  • 15 The heart of the understanding acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
  • 16 A man’s gift makes room for him And leads him into the presence of great men.
  • 17 The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him.
  • 18 The cast lot puts an end to contentions And decides between the mighty ones.
  • 19 A brother offended is harder to win over than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a citadel.
  • 20 From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; With the produce 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 He who finds a wife finds a good thing And obtains favor from Yahweh.
  • 23 The poor man speaks supplications, But the rich man answers with strong words.
  • 24 A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.