1 He who separateth himself seeketh his own desire; Against all sound discretion he rusheth on. 2 The fool hath no delight in understanding, But rather in revealing his own mind. 3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt; And with baseness, shame. 4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, And the wellspring of wisdom is an overflowing brook. 5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked, So as to overthrow the righteous in judgment. 6 The lips of a fool enter into strife, And his mouth calleth for blows. 7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are a snare for his life. 8 The words of a talebearer are like sweet morsels; For they go down to the innermost parts of the body. 9 Moreover, he that is slothful in his work Is brother to him that is a great waster. 10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runneth to it, and is 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 a man is haughty, And before honor is humility. 13 He who answereth a matter before he hath heard it, 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 intelligent will acquire knowledge, And the ear of the wise will seek knowledge. 16 A gift maketh room for a man, And bringeth him into the presence of the great. 17 He that first pleadeth his cause appeareth just; But his opponent cometh, and searcheth him through. 18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, And parteth asunder the mighty. 19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; Yea, their contentions are like the bars of a castle. 20 With the fruit of a man's mouth shall his stomach be filled; He shall be filled with the produce of his lips. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; They that love it shall eat its fruit. 22 He that findeth a wife findeth a blessing, And obtaineth favor from the LORD. 23 The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly. 24 A man of many friends will show himself false; Yet there is a friend who sticketh closer than a brother.