1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;
He rages against all¹ wise judgment. ‡

2 A fool has no delight in understanding,
But in expressing his ^aown heart. ‡

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

4 ^aThe words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;
^bThe wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook. ‡

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

6 A fool’s lips enter into contention,
And his mouth calls for blows.

7 ^aA fool’s mouth is his destruction,
And his lips are the snare of his ^bsoul. ‡

8 ^aThe words of a¹ talebearer are like tasty trifles,
And they go down into the¹ inmost body. ‡

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

10 The name of the Lord is a strong ^atower;
The righteous run to it and are¹ safe. ‡

11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
And like a high wall in his own esteem.

12 ^aBefore destruction the heart of a man is haughty,
And before honor is humility. ‡

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

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

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

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

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

18 Casting ^alots causes contentions to cease,
And keeps the mighty apart. ‡

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

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

21 ^aDeath and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit. ‡

22 ^aHe who finds a wife finds a good thing,
And obtains favor from the Lord. ‡

23 The poor man uses entreaties,
But the rich answers ^aroughly. ‡

24 A man who has friends¹ must himself be friendly,
^aBut there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. ‡