• Contrast of the Upright and the Wicked

  • 1 One who separates himself seeks his own desire; He quarrels against all sound wisdom.
  • 2 A fool does not delight in understanding, But in revealing his own mind.
  • 3 When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes, And with dishonor comes taunting.
  • 4 The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
  • 5 To show partiality to the wicked is not good, Nor to suppress the righteous in judgment.
  • 6 A fool’s lips bring strife, And his mouth invites beatings.
  • 7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul.
  • 8 The words of a gossiper are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
  • 9 He also who is lax in his work Is a brother to him who destroys.
  • 10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe.
  • 11 A rich person’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own imagination.
  • 12 Before destruction the heart of a person is haughty, But humility goes before honor.
  • 13 One who gives an answer before he hears, It is foolishness and shame to him.
  • 14 The spirit of a person can endure his sickness, But as for a broken spirit, who can endure it?
  • 15 The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
  • 16 A person’s gift makes room for him And brings him before great people.
  • 17 The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him.
  • 18 The cast lot puts an end to quarrels, And decides between the mighty ones.
  • 19 A brother who is offended is harder to be won than a strong city, And quarrels are like the bars of a citadel.
  • 20 With the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; He will be satisfied with the product of his lips.
  • 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 the Lord.
  • 23 A poor person utters pleadings, But a rich person answers defiantly.
  • 24 A person of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.