18 One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires;

he rebels against all sound judgment.

2 A fool does not delight in understanding,

but only wants to show off his opinions. y z

3 When a wicked man comes, contempt also does,

and along with dishonor, disgrace.

4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters, a

a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom. b

5 It is not good to show partiality to the * guilty c

by perverting the justice due the innocent. d

6 A fool’s lips lead to strife,

and his mouth provokes a beating. e

7 A fool’s mouth is his devastation,

and his lips are a trap for his life. f

8 A gossip’s words are like choice food

that goes down to one’s innermost being. g h

9 The one who is truly lazy in his work

is brother to a vandal. i j

10 The name of * Yahweh is a strong tower; k

the righteous run to it and are protected. l m

11 A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city;

in his imagination it is like a high wall. n

12 Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, o

but humility comes before honor. p

13 The one who gives an answer before he listens—

this is foolishness and disgrace for him. q

14 A man’s spirit can endure sickness,

but who can survive a broken spirit? r

15 The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,

and the ear of the wise seeks it. s

16 A gift opens doors t for a man

and brings him before the great. u

17 The first to state his case seems right

until another comes and cross-examines him. v

18 Casting the lot w ends quarrels

and separates powerful opponents.

19 An offended brother is harder to reach x

than a fortified city,

and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.

20 From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is satisfied;

he is filled with the product of his lips. y

21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue,

and those who love it will eat its fruit. z

22 A man who finds a wife finds a good thing a

and obtains favor from the Lord. b

23 The poor man pleads, c

but the rich one answers roughly. d

24 A man with many friends may be harmed, e

but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother. f