^{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.