1He that separateth himself seeketh his own desire , And rageth against all sound wisdom . 2A fool hath no delight in understanding , But only that his heart may reveal itself. 3When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt , And with ignominy cometh reproach . 4The words of a man ’s mouth are as deep waters ; The wellspring of wisdom is as a flowing brook . 5To respect the person of the wicked is not good , Nor to turn aside the righteous in judgment . 6A fool ’s lips enter into contention , And his mouth calleth for stripes . 7A fool ’s mouth is his destruction , And his lips are the snare of his soul .
The Value of Wisdom
8The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels , And they go down into the innermost parts . 9He also that is slack in his work Is brother to him that is a destroyer . 10The name of Jehovah is a strong tower ; The righteous runneth into it , and is safe . 11The rich man ’s wealth is his strong city , And as a high wall in his own imagination . 12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty ; And before honor goeth humility . 13He that giveth answer before he heareth , It is folly and shame unto him . 14The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity ; But a broken spirit who can bear ?
Relationships and Community
15The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge ; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge . 16A man ’s gift maketh room for him , And bringeth him before great men . 17He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just ; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out . 18The lot causeth contentions to cease , And parteth between the mighty . 19A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city ; And such contentions are like the bars of a castle. 20A man’s belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth ; With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied . 21Death and life are in the power of the tongue ; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof .
Justice and Fairness
22Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing , And obtaineth favor of Jehovah . 23The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly . 24He that maketh many friends doeth it to his own destruction; But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother .