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