✧He that separateth himself seeketh [his own] desire, And rageth against all sound wisdom. ✧2A fool hath no delight in understanding, But only that his heart may reveal itself. ✧3When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, And with ignominy [cometh] reproach. ✧4The words of a man’s mouth are [as] deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is [as] a flowing brook. ✧5To respect the person of the wicked is not good, [Nor] to turn aside the righteous in judgment. ✧6A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calleth for stripes. ✧7A fool’s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul. ✧8The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts. ✧9He also that is slack in his work Is brother to him that is a destroyer. ✧10The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; The righteous runneth into it, and is safe. ✧11The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And as a high wall in his own imagination. ✧12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor [goeth] humility. ✧13He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him. ✧14The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear? ✧15The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. ✧16A man’s gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men. ✧17He that pleadeth his cause first [seemeth] just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out. ✧18The lot causeth contentions to cease, And parteth between the mighty. ✧19A brother offended [is harder to be won] than a strong city; And [such] contentions are like the bars of a castle. ✧20A man’s belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied. ✧21Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. ✧22Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favor of Jehovah. ✧23The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly. ✧24He that maketh many friends [doeth it] to his own destruction; But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.