[1] An unfriendly man pursues selfishness, And defies all sound
judgment. [2] A fool has no delight in understanding, But only in
broadcasting his own opinion. [3] When wickedness comes, contempt also
comes, And with shame comes disgrace. [4] The words of a man`s mouth are
like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook. [5] To
be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, Nor to deprive the
innocent of justice. [6] A fool`s lips come into strife, And his mouth
invites beatings. [7] A fool`s mouth is his destruction, And his lips
are a snare to his soul. [8] The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels:
They go down into a person`s innermost parts. [9] One who is slack in
his work Is brother to him who is a master of destruction. [10] The name
of Yahweh is a strong tower: The righteous run to him, and are safe.
[11] The rich man`s wealth is his strong city, Like an unscalable wall
in his own imagination. [12] Before destruction the heart of man is proud,
But before honor is humility. [13] He who gives answer before he hears,
That is folly and shame to him. [14] A man`s spirit will sustain him in
sickness, But a crushed spirit who can bear? [15] The heart of the
discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge. [16] A
man`s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men. [17] He
who pleads his cause first seems right; Until another comes and
questions him. [18] The lot settles disputes, And keeps strong ones
apart. [19] A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city;
And disputes are like the bars of a castle. [20] A man`s stomach is filled
with the fruit of his mouth. With the harvest of his lips he is
satisfied. [21] Death and life are in the power of the tongue; Those who
love it will eat its fruit. [22] Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing,
And obtains favor of Yahweh. [23] The poor pleads for mercy, But the
rich answers harshly. [24] A man of many companions may be ruined, But
there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
