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he rebels against all sound judgment.
2 A fool finds no pleasure in learning understanding,
but delights in expressing his own personal opinions.
3 When wickedness comes, contempt also comes;
and with dishonour comes disgrace.
4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;
the fountain of wisdom is a flowing river.
5 It is not good to show partiality to the wicked,
or to deprive the innocent of justice.
6 A fool’s lips bring him strife,
and his mouth invites a beating.
7 A fool’s mouth is his undoing,
and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 The words of a gossip are like tasty morsels;
they go down to a person’s inmost parts.
9 He who is slack in his work
is a brother to one who destroys.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.
11 A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city;
in his thinking it is to him as a high wall.
12 Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud,
but humility comes before honour.
13 He who gives an answer before he listens—
that is to his folly and disgrace.
14 The spirit of a man can endure sickness,
but who can bear a broken spirit?
15 The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A man’s gift opens doors for him,
and brings him before the great.
17 The first person to plead his case seems right,
until another comes forward and questions him.
18 Casting the lot settles the dispute,
and separates strong opponents.
19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a fortified city,
and disputes are like the bars of a citadel.
20 From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is satisfied;
from the yield of his lips he is filled.
21 Life and death are subject to the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 A man who finds a wife finds what is good
and obtains favour from the Lord.
23 The poor man pleads for mercy,
but the rich man answers harshly.
24 A man with many friends may come to harm,
but a true friend sticks closer than a brother.