1  He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense. 2  A foolish man has no pleasure in good sense, but only to let what is in his heart come to light. 3  When the evil-doer comes, a low opinion comes with him, and with the loss of honour comes shame. 4  The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters: the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream. 5  To have respect for the person of the evil-doer is not good, or to give a wrong decision against the upright. 6  A foolish man's lips are a cause of fighting, and his mouth makes him open to blows. 7  The mouth of a foolish man is his destruction, and his lips are a net for his soul. 8  The words of one who says evil of his neighbour secretly are like sweet food, and go down into the inner parts of the stomach. 9  He who does not give his mind to his work is brother to him who makes destruction. 10  The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the upright man running into it is safe. 11  The property of a man of wealth is his strong town, and it is as a high wall in the thoughts of his heart. 12  Before destruction the heart of man is full of pride, and before honour goes a gentle spirit. 13  To give an answer before hearing is a foolish thing and a cause of shame. 14  The spirit of a man will be his support when he is ill; but how may a broken spirit be lifted up? 15  The heart of the man of good sense gets knowledge; the ear of the wise is searching for knowledge. 16  A man's offering makes room for him, letting him come before great men. 17  The man who first puts his cause before the judge seems to be in the right; but then his neighbour comes and puts his cause in its true light. 18  The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong. 19  A brother wounded is like a strong town, and violent acts are like a locked tower. 20  With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be full; the produce of his lips will be his in full measure. 21  Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those to whom it is dear will have its fruit for their food. 22 Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord. 23  The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer. 24  There are friends who may be a man's destruction, but there is a lover who keeps nearer than a brother.