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. ‡