1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment. |
2 A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart. |
3 When the wicked comes, contempt comes also; And with dishonor comes reproach. |
4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook. |
5 It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, Or to overthrow the righteous in judgment. |
6 A fool's lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows. |
7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul. |
8 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body. |
9 He who is slothful in his work Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer. |
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. |
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own esteem. |
12 Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility. |
13 He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him. |
14 The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit? |
15 The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. |
16 A man's gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men. |
17 The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him. |
18 Casting lots causes contentions to cease, And keeps the mighty apart. |
19 A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle. |
20 A man's stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth, From the produce of his lips he shall be filled. |
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 The poor man uses entreaties, But the rich answers roughly. |
24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. |