[1] Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeks and intermeddles with all wisdom.
[2] A fool has no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
[3] When the wicked comes, then comes also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
[4] The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
[5] It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
[6] A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for strokes.
[7] A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
[8] The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
[9] He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
[10] The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runs into it, and is safe.
[11] The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
[12] Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honor is humility.
[13] He that answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.
[14] The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
[15] The heart of the prudent gets knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
[16] A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.
[17] He that is first in his own cause seems just; but his neighbor comes and searches him.
[18] The lot causes contentions to cease, and parts between the mighty.
[19] A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
[20] A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
[21] Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
[22] Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of the LORD.
[23] The poor uses entreaties; but the rich answers roughly.
[24] A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.