1 The estranged friend seeks an occasion of quarrel;
he tries by all means to stir up strife.
2 A fool has no pleasure in prudence,
but only in self-display.
3 Wrongdoing brings down contempt,
and disgrace follows dishonour.
4 The words that are found on wise lips are deep waters,
a bubbling brook, a fountain of life.
5 It is wrong to favour the guilty,
to give verdict against the innocent.
6 A fool by his talk is involved in disputes,
and his words cry aloud for a beating.
7 The mouth of a fool is his ruin;
his lips are a trap to him.
8 Slanderous words are like dainty morsels;
down they ghde to the innermost being.
9 He that is slack in his business
is brother to him that destroys.
10 The Lord is a mighty tower;
the righteous run in and are safe.
11 A rich man's wealth is his fortified city,
and like a high wall are his riches.
12 Pride of heart goes before destruction,
and before honour goes humility.
13 For a man to answer before he has heard
is folly and shame to him.
14 A man's spirit sustains his weakness,
but who can bear a crushed spirit?
15 A sensible mind acquires knowledge,
and a wise ear seeks out wisdom.
16 Presents prepare a man's way,
and bring him before the great.
17 The first man to plead seems right,
but then comes the other and tests him.
18 The lot puts an end to disputes,
and decides between the mighty.
19 The rich man's wealth is his fortified city;
his riches resemble the bars of a fortress.
20 A man's words will bear for him plenty of fruit.
and his speech will have an abundant harvest.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it must eat its fruit.
22 He that finds a wife has found a blessing,
and won a sign of the Lord's good will.
23 A poor man speaks like a supplicant,
but the rich man answers gruffly.
24 There are friends that seek nothing but company,
and a friend who clings closer than brother.