1One who separates himself seeks his own desire;

He [a]quarrels against all sound wisdom.

2A fool does not delight in understanding,

But in revealing his own [b]mind.

3When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes,

And with dishonor comes taunting.

4The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters;

[c]The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

5To show partiality to the wicked is not good,

Nor to suppress the righteous in judgment.

6A fool’s lips [d]bring strife,

And his mouth invites beatings.

7A fool’s mouth is his ruin,

And his lips are the snare of his soul.

8The words of a gossiper are like dainty morsels,

And they go down into the [e]innermost parts of the body.

9He also who is lax in his work

Is a brother to him who destroys.

10The name of the LORD is a strong tower;

The righteous runs into it and is [f]safe.

11A rich person’s wealth is his strong city,

And like a high wall in his own imagination.

12Before destruction the heart of a person is haughty,

But humility goes before honor.

13One who gives an answer before he hears,

It is foolishness and shame to him.

14The spirit of a person can endure his sickness,

But as for a broken spirit, who can endure it?

15The [g]mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,

And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16A person’s gift makes room for him

And brings him before great people.

17The first [h]to plead his case seems right,

Until [i]another comes and examines him.

18The cast lot puts an end to quarrels,

And [j]decides between the mighty ones.

19A brother who is offended is harder to be won than a strong city,

And quarrels are like the bars of a citadel.

20With the [k]fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied;

He will be satisfied with the product of his lips.

21Death and life are in the [l]power of the tongue,

And those who love it will eat its fruit.

22He who finds a wife finds a good thing

And obtains favor from the LORD.

23A poor person utters pleadings,

But a rich person answers defiantly.

24A person of too many friends comes to [m]ruin,

But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.