1. He who separates himself seeks his own desire;he seeks and quarrels against all wisdom.
2. A fool has no delight in understanding,but in expressing his own heart.
3. When the wicked comes, then comes also contempt,and with dishonor reproach.
4. The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters,and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
5. It is not good to favor the wicked,or to turn aside the righteous in judgment.
6. A fool’s lips enter into contention,and his mouth calls for flogging.
7. A fool’s mouth is his destruction,and his lips are the snare of his soul.
8. The words of a talebearer are as wounds,and they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
9. He also who is slothful in his workis brother to him who is a great waster.
10. The name of the Lord is a strong tower;the righteous run into it and are safe.
11. The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,and as a high wall in his own conceit.
12. Before destruction the heart of man is haughty,and before honor is humility.
13. He who answers a matter before he hearsit,it is folly and shame to him.
14. The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity,but a wounded spirit who can bear?
15. The heart of the prudent gets knowledge,and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16. A man’s gift makes room for him,and brings him before great men.
17. He who is first in his own cause seems just,but his neighbor comes and searches him.