1One who separates himself seeks his own desire; against all sound wisdom he breaks out in quarreling.
2A fool takes no delight in understanding, but only in exposing his own heart.
3When a wicked one comes, contempt also comes, and with dishonor, reproach.
4The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; a flowing stream, a fountain of wisdom.
5To lift up the face of the wicked is not good, to turn aside the righteous in judgment.
6The lips of a fool bring on strife, and his mouth calls out for blows.
7A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his own throat.
8The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels; they go down into the chambers of the belly.
9Even one who is slack in his work is a brother to a master of destruction.
10The name of Yahweh is a tower of strength; the righteous runs into it and is set on high.
11The wealth of a rich man is his fortified city, and like a high wall in his imagination.
12Before a breaking, the heart of a man is haughty, but before honor comes humility.
13One who returns a word before he hears—it is folly for him, and disgrace.
14A man’s spirit sustains him in his sickness, but a broken spirit—who can bear it?
15The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16A man’s gift makes room for him and leads him before the great.
17The first to state his case seems righteous, until his neighbor comes and examines him.
18The lot puts an end to disputes and decides between the mighty.
19A brother offended is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bar of a citadel.
20From the fruit of a man’s mouth his belly is satisfied; with the yield of his lips he is 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 Yahweh.
23The poor speaks pleas for mercy, but the rich answers with harsh words.
24A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a lover who clings closer than a brother.
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