1For the desire thereof he will separate himself to seek it, and occupy himself in all wisdom.
2A fool hath no delight in understanding: but that his heart may be discovered.
3When the wicked cometh, then cometh contempt, and with the vile man reproach.
4The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom is like a flowing river.
5It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to cause the righteous to fall in judgment.
6A fool’s lips come with strife, and his mouth calleth for stripes.
7A fool’s mouth is his own destruction, and his lips are a snare for his soul.
8The words of a talebearer are as flatterings, and they go down into the bowels of the belly.
9He also that is slothful in his work, is even the brother of him that is a great waster.
10The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth unto it, and is exalted.
11The rich man’s riches are his strong city: and as an high wall in his imagination.
12Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before glory goeth lowliness.
13He that answereth a matter before he hear it, it is folly and shame unto him.
14The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity: but a wounded spirit, who can bear it?
15A wise heart getteth knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeketh learning.
16A man’s gift enlargeth him, and leadeth him before great men.
17He that is first in his own cause, is just: then cometh his neighbor and maketh inquiry of him.
18The lot causeth contentions to cease, and maketh a partition among the mighty.
19A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and their contentions are like the bar of a palace.
20With the fruit of a man’s mouth shall his belly be satisfied, and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
21Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it, shall eat the fruit thereof.
22He that findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and receiveth favor of the Lord.
23The poor speaketh with prayers: but the rich answereth roughly.
24A man that hath friends, ought to show himself friendly: for a friend is nearer than a brother.