Whoever aisolates himself seeks his own desire;
he breaks out against all sound judgment.
2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,
but only ain expressing his opinion.
3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also,
and with dishonor comes disgrace.
4 The words of a man’s mouth are adeep waters;
the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5 It is not good to abe partial to the wicked
or to bdeprive the righteous of justice.
6 A fool’s lips walk into a fight,
and his mouth invites aa beating.
7 aA fool’s mouth is his ruin,
and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 aThe words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
they go down into bthe inner parts of the body.
9 Whoever is slack in his work
is a abrother to him who destroys.
10 aThe name of the Lord is ba strong tower;
the righteous man runs into it and cis safe.
11 aA rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
and like a high wall in his imagination.
12 aBefore destruction a man’s heart is haughty,
but bhumility comes before honor.
13 If one gives an answer abefore he hears,
it is his folly and shame.
14 A man’s spirit will endure sickness,
but aa crushed spirit who can bear?
15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A man’s agift makes room for him
and brings him before the great.
17 The one who states his case first seems right,
until the other comes and examines him.
18 aThe lot puts an end to quarrels
and decides between powerful contenders.
19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city,
and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
20 aFrom the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied;
he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
21 aDeath and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits.
22 He who finds aa wife finds ba good thing
and cobtains favor dfrom the Lord.
23 The poor use entreaties,
but athe rich answer roughly.
24 A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but athere is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.