2A fool has no delight in understanding,
But in expressing his own heart.

3When the wicked comes, contempt comes also;
And with dishonor comes reproach.

4The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;
The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.

5It is not good to show partiality to the wicked,
Or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

6A fool’s lips enter into contention,
And his mouth calls for blows.
7A fool’s mouth is his destruction,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.
8The words of a [b]talebearer are like [c]tasty trifles,
And they go down into the [d]inmost body.

9He who is slothful in his work
Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.

10The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
The righteous run to it and are [e]safe.
11The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
And like a high wall in his own esteem.

12Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty,
And before honor is humility.

13He who answers a matter before he hears it,
It is folly and shame to him.

14The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness,
But who can bear a broken spirit?

15The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge,
And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16A man’s gift makes room for him,
And brings him before great men.

17The first one to plead his cause seems right,
Until his neighbor comes and examines him.

18Casting lots causes contentions to cease,
And keeps the mighty apart.

19A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city,
And contentions are like the bars of a castle.

20A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth;
From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.

21Death and life are in the 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.

23The poor man uses entreaties,
But the rich answers roughly.

24A man who has friends [f]must himself be friendly,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.