The Selfishness of the Unfriendly

1A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses; but at all times he will be liable to reproach.

2A senseless man feels no need of wisdom, for he is rather led by folly.

3When an ungodly man comes into a depth of evils, he despises them; but dishonour and reproach come upon him.

4A word in the heart of a man is a deep water, and a river and fountain of life spring forth.

5It is not good to accept the person of the ungodly, nor is it holy to pervert justice in judgment.

6The lips of a fool bring him into troubles, and his bold mouth calls for death.

7A fool's mouth is ruin to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

8Fear casts down the slothful; and the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.

9A man who helps not himself by his labour is brother of him that ruins himself.

10The name of the Lord is of great strength; and the righteous running to it are exalted.

11The wealth of a rich man is a strong city; and its glory casts a broad shadow.

12Before ruin a man's heart is exalted, and before honour it is humble.

13Whoso answers a word before he hears a cause, it is folly and reproach to him.

14A wise servant calms a man's anger; but who can endure a faint-hearted man?

15The heart of the sensible man purchases discretion; and the ears of the wise seek understanding.

16A man's gift enlarges him, and seats him among princes.

17A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech, but when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved.

18A silent man quells strifes, and determines between great powers.

19A brother helped by a brother is as a strong and high city; and is as strong as a well-founded palace.

20A man fills his belly with the fruits of his mouth; and he shall be satisfied with the fruits of his lips.

21Life and death are in the power of the tongue; and they that rule it shall eat the fruits thereof.

22He that has found a good wife has found favours, and has received gladness from God. (18:22A) He that puts away a good wife, puts away a good thing, and he that keeps an adulteress is foolish and ungodly.

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