1. He who separates himself indulges his desires and shows contempt for sound advice of any kind.

2. A fool takes no pleasure in trying to understand; he only wants to express his own opinion.

3. When a wicked person comes, contempt comes too, and with disdain, provocation.

4. The words of a man's mouth are deep water, a gushing torrent, a fountain of wisdom.

5. It is not good to be partial to the guilty and thus deprive the innocent of justice.

6. A fool's words get him into fights; yes, his mouth calls out for a beating.

7. A fool's mouth is his ruin; his words are a trap for him.

8. A slanderer's words are tasty morsels; they slide right down into the belly.

9. Whoever is lazy in doing his work is brother to the destroyer.

10. The name of ADONAI is a strong tower; a righteous person runs to it and is raised high [[above danger]].

11. The wealth of the rich is his fortified city, like a high wall, in his own imagination.

12. Before being ruined, a person's heart is proud; before being honored, a person must be humble.

13. To answer someone before hearing him out is both stupid and embarrassing.

14. A person's spirit can sustain him when ill, but a crushed spirit- who can bear it?

15. The mind of a person with discernment gets knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16. A person's gift clears his way and gives him access to the great.

17. The first to state his case seems right, till the other one comes and cross-examines.

18. Casting lots puts an end to strife and separates powerful disputants.

19. It is harder to win an offended brother than a strong city; their fights are like the bars of a fortress.

20. A person's belly will be filled with the fruit of his mouth; with what his lips produce he will be filled.

21. The tongue has power over life and death; those who indulge it must eat its fruit.

22. He who finds a wife finds a great good; he has won the favor of ADONAI.

23. The poor man speaks beseechingly, the rich man's answer is blunt.

24. Some "friends" pretend to be friends, but a true friend sticks closer than a brother.