Verse 1
One who has isolated himself seeks his own desires; he rejects all sound judgment.
Verse 2
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding but only in disclosing what is on his mind.
Verse 3
When a wicked person arrives, contempt shows up with him, and with shame comes a reproach.
Verse 4
The words of a person’s mouth are like deep waters, and the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.
Verse 5
It is terrible to show partiality to the wicked, by depriving a righteous man of justice.
Verse 6
The lips of a fool enter into strife, and his mouth invites a flogging.
Verse 7
The mouth of a fool is his ruin, and his lips are a snare for his life.
Verse 8
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; and they have gone down into the person’s innermost being.
Verse 9
The one who is slack in his work is a brother to one who destroys.
Verse 10
The name of the LORD is like a strong tower; the righteous person runs to it and is set safely on high.
Verse 11
The wealth of a rich person is like a strong city, and it is like a high wall in his imagination.
Verse 12
Before destruction the heart of a person is proud, but humility comes before honor.
Verse 13
The one who gives an answer before he listens– that is his folly and his shame.
Verse 14
A person’s spirit sustains him through sickness– but who can bear a crushed spirit?
Verse 15
The discerning person acquires knowledge, and the wise person seeks knowledge.
Verse 16
A person’s gift makes room for him, and leads him before important people.
Verse 17
The first to state his case seems right, until his opponent begins to cross-examine him.
Verse 18
A toss of a coin ends disputes, and settles the issue between strong opponents.
Verse 19
A relative offended is harder to reach than a strong city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a fortified citadel.
Verse 20
From the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied, with the product of his lips he will be satisfied.
Verse 21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love its use will eat its fruit.
Verse 22
The one who has found a good wife has found what goodness is, and obtained a delightful gift from the LORD.
Verse 23
A poor person makes supplications, but a rich man answers harshly.
Verse 24
There are companions who harm one another, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.