1 An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends;
he defies all sound judgment. |
2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding
but delights in airing his own opinions. |
3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt,
and with shame comes disgrace. |
4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters,
but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. |
5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked
or to deprive the innocent of justice. |
6 A fool's lips bring him strife,
and his mouth invites a beating. |
7 A fool's mouth is his undoing,
and his lips are a snare to his soul. |
8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to a man's inmost parts. |
9 One who is slack in his work
is brother to one who destroys. |
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe. |
11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city;
they imagine it an unscalable wall. |
12 Before his downfall a man's heart is proud,
but humility comes before honor. |
13 He who answers before listening-
that is his folly and his shame. |
14 A man's spirit sustains him in sickness,
but a crushed spirit who can bear? |
15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge;
the ears of the wise seek it out. |
16 A gift opens the way for the giver
and ushers him into the presence of the great. |
17 The first to present his case seems right,
till another comes forward and questions him. |
18 Casting the lot settles disputes
and keeps strong opponents apart. |
19 An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city,
and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel. |
20 From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is filled;
with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied. |
21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit. |
22 He who finds a wife finds what is good
and receives favor from the LORD . |
23 A poor man pleads for mercy,
but a rich man answers harshly. |
24 A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. |
