1The one who lives alone is self-indulgent,

showing contempt for all sound judgment.f

2A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,

but only in expressing personal opinion.*

3When wickedness comes, contempt comes also,

and with dishonor comes disgrace.

4The words of the mouth are deep waters;

the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.*

5It is not right to be partial to the guilty

or to subvert the innocent in judgment.*

6A fool’s lips bring strife,

and a fool’s mouth invites a flogging.

7The mouths of fools are their ruin,

and their lips a snare to themselves.*

8The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;

they go down into the inner parts of the body.*

9One who is slack in work

is close kin to a vandal.*

10The name of the Lord is a strong tower;

the righteous run into it and are safe.*

11The wealth of the rich is their strong city;

in their imagination it is like a high wall.*

12Before destruction one’s heart is haughty,

but humility goes before honor.*

13If one gives answer before hearing,

it is folly and shame.*

14The human spirit will endure sickness,

but a broken spirit—who can bear?

15An intelligent mind acquires knowledge,

and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16A gift opens doors;

it gives access to the great.*

17The one who first states a case seems right,

until the other comes and cross-examines.

18Casting the lot puts an end to disputes

and decides between powerful contenders.*

19An ally offended is stronger than a city;g

such quarreling is like the bars of a castle.

20From the fruit of the mouth one’s stomach is satisfied;

the yield of the lips brings satisfaction.*

21Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

and those who love it will eat its fruits.*

22He who finds a wife finds a good thing

and obtains favor from the Lord.*

23The poor use entreaties,

but the rich answer roughly.*

24Someh friends play at friendship,i

but a true friend sticks closer than one’s sibling.*