1A man who keeps himself apart follows his own desire; he quarrels with all sound wisdom.
2A fool takes no delight in understanding. He only wants to show what is in his own heart.
3When the wicked comes, contempt comes too, and with shame comes disgrace.
4The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters. The spring of wisdom is like a flowing brook.
5It is not good to favour the wicked, or to push aside the righteous when judging.
6A fool's lips bring him into quarrels, and his mouth calls out for blows.
7A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a trap for his soul.
8The words of a gossip are like wounds. They go down into the deepest parts of the body.
9The one who is lazy in his work is brother to the one who destroys.
10The name of the LORD is a strong tower. The righteous runs into it and is safe.
11The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and in his own mind it is a high wall.
12Before ruin a man's heart is proud, and before honour comes humility.
13If someone answers a matter before he hears it, that is folly and shame to him.
14A man's spirit will hold him up when he is ill, but a broken spirit - who can bear it?
15The heart of the wise gets knowledge, and the ear of the wise looks for knowledge.
16A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him in front of great men.
17The one who speaks first in his own case seems right, until his neighbour comes and questions him.
18Casting lots puts an end to arguments, and settles matters between the strong.
19A brother who has been offended is harder to win than a strong city, and their quarrels are like the bars of a castle.
20A man's stomach will be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth. With what his lips produce he will be filled.
21Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and receives favour from the LORD.
23The poor man begs, but the rich man answers roughly.
24A man who has friends must show himself friendly, and there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.