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. |