^{1 Ref} An unfriendly man pursues selfishness, And defies all sound judgment.

^{2 Ref} A fool has no delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own opinion.

^{3 Ref} When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, And with shame comes disgrace.

^{4 Ref} The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.

^{5 Ref} To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, Nor to deprive the innocent of justice.

^{6 Ref} A fool's lips come into strife, And his mouth invites beatings.

^{7 Ref} A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are a snare to his soul.

^{8 Ref} The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: They go down into a person's innermost parts.

^{9 Ref} One who is slack in his work Is brother to him who is a master of destruction.

^{10 Ref} The name of Yahweh is a strong tower: The righteous run to him, and are safe.

^{11 Ref} The rich man's wealth is his strong city, Like an unscalable wall in his own imagination.

^{12 Ref} Before destruction the heart of man is proud, But before honor is humility.

^{13 Ref} He who gives answer before he hears, That is folly and shame to him.

^{14 Ref} A man's spirit will sustain him in sickness, But a crushed spirit, who can bear?

^{15 Ref} The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

^{16 Ref} A man's gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.

^{17 Ref} He who pleads his cause first seems right; Until another comes and questions him.

^{18 Ref} The lot settles disputes, And keeps strong ones apart.

^{19 Ref} A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city; And disputes are like the bars of a castle.

^{20 Ref} A man's stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth. With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.

^{21 Ref} Death and life are in the power of the tongue; Those who love it will eat its fruit.

^{22 Ref} Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor of Yahweh.

^{23 Ref} The poor plead for mercy, But the rich answer harshly.

^{24 Ref} A man of many companions may be ruined, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.