1Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom . 2A fool hath no delight in understanding , but that his heart may discover itself. 3When the wicked cometh , then cometh also contempt , and with ignominy reproach . 4The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters , and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook . 5It is not good to accept the person of the wicked , to overthrow the righteous in judgment . 6A fool’s lips enter into contention , and his mouth calleth for strokes . 7A fool’s mouth is his destruction , and his lips are the snare of his soul .
The Value of Wisdom
8The words of a talebearer are as wounds , and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly . 9He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster . 10The name of the LORD is a strong tower : the righteous runneth into it, and is safe . 11The rich man’s wealth is his strong city , and as an high wall in his own conceit . 12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty , and before honour is humility . 13He that answereth a matter before he heareth it , it is folly and shame unto him. 14The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity ; but a wounded 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 is first in his own cause seemeth just ; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. 18The lot causeth contentions to cease , and parteth between the mighty . 19A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city : and their contentions are like the bars of a castle . 20A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth ; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled . 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 favour of the LORD . 23The poor useth intreaties ; but the rich answereth roughly . 24A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly : and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother .