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| Through desire a man, having separated
himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. 3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach. 4 The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. 5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment. 6 A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. 7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. 8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. 9 He also 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 into it, and is safe. 11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit. 12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility. 13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. 14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? 15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. 16 A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. 17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. 18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty. 19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle. 20 A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. 22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. 23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly. 24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. |
A recluse is self-indulgent, snarling
at every sound principle of conduct.
2 Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. 3 When the wicked arrive, contempt, shame, and disgrace are sure to follow. 4 A person’s words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook. 5 It is wrong for a judge to favor the guilty or condemn the innocent. 6 Fools get into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating. 7 The mouths of fools are their ruin; their lips get them into trouble. 8 What dainty morsels rumors are—but they sink deep into one’s heart. 9 A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things. 10 The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. 11 The rich think of their wealth as an impregnable defense; they imagine it is a high wall of safety. 12 Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor. 13 What a shame, what folly, to give advice before listening to the facts! 14 The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear it if the spirit is crushed? 15 Intelligent people are always open to new ideas. In fact, they look for them. 16 Giving a gift works wonders; it may bring you before important people! 17 Any story sounds true until someone sets the record straight. 18 Casting lots can end arguments and settle disputes between powerful opponents. 19 It’s harder to make amends with an offended friend than to capture a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with iron bars. 20 Words satisfy the soul as food satisfies the stomach; the right words on a person’s lips bring satisfaction. 21 Those who love to talk will experience the consequences, for the tongue can kill or nourish life. 22 The man who finds a wife finds a treasure and receives favor from the Lord. 23 The poor plead for mercy; the rich answer with insults. 24 There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. |