1

For `an object of' desire he who is separated doth seek, With all wisdom he intermeddleth.

2

A fool delighteth not in understanding, But -- in uncovering his heart.

3

With the coming of the wicked come also hath contempt, And with shame -- reproach.

4

Deep waters `are' the words of a man's mouth, The fountain of wisdom `is' a flowing brook.

5

Acceptance of the face of the wicked `is' not good, To turn aside the righteous in judgment.

6

The lips of a fool enter into strife, And his mouth for stripes calleth.

7

The mouth of a fool `is' ruin to him, And his lips `are' the snare of his soul.

8

The words of a tale-bearer `are' as self-inflicted wounds, And they have gone down `to' the inner parts of the heart.

9

He also that is remiss in his work, A brother he `is' to a destroyer.

10

A tower of strength `is' the name of Jehovah, Into it the righteous runneth, and is set on high.

11

The wealth of the rich `is' the city of his strength, And as a wall set on high in his own imagination.

12

Before destruction the heart of man is high, And before honour `is' humility.

13

Whoso is answering a matter before he heareth, Folly it is to him and shame.

14

The spirit of a man sustaineth his sickness, And a smitten spirit who doth bear?

15

The heart of the intelligent getteth knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

16

The gift of a man maketh room for him, And before the great it leadeth him.

17

Righteous `is' the first in his own cause, His neighbour cometh and hath searched him.

18

The lot causeth contentions to cease, And between the mighty it separateth.

19

A brother transgressed against is as a strong city, And contentions as the bar of a palace.

20

From the fruit of a man's mouth is his belly satisfied, `From the' increase of his lips he is satisfied.

21

Death and life `are' in the power of the tongue, And those loving it eat its fruit.

22

`Whoso' hath found a wife hath found good, And bringeth out good-will from Jehovah.

23

`With' supplications doth the poor speak, And the rich answereth fierce things.

24

A man with friends `is' to show himself friendly, And there is a lover adhering more than a brother!