[1] An unfriendly man pursues selfishness,    And defies all sound
judgment. [2] A fool has no delight in understanding,	 But only in
broadcasting his own opinion. [3] When wickedness comes, contempt also
comes,	  And with shame comes disgrace. [4] The words of a man`s mouth are
like deep waters.    The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook. [5] To
be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good,    Nor to deprive the
innocent of justice. [6] A fool`s lips come into strife,    And his mouth
invites beatings. [7] A fool`s mouth is his destruction,    And his lips
are a snare to his soul. [8] The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels:
   They go down into a person`s innermost parts. [9] One who is slack in
his work    Is brother to him who is a master of destruction. [10] The name
of Yahweh is a strong tower:	The righteous run to him, and are safe.
[11] The rich man`s wealth is his strong city,	  Like an unscalable wall
in his own imagination. [12] Before destruction the heart of man is proud, 
  But before honor is humility. [13] He who gives answer before he hears,  
 That is folly and shame to him. [14] A man`s spirit will sustain him in
sickness,    But a crushed spirit who can bear? [15] The heart of the
discerning gets knowledge.    The ear of the wise seeks knowledge. [16] A
man`s gift makes room for him,	  And brings him before great men. [17] He
who pleads his cause first seems right;    Until another comes and
questions him. [18] The lot settles disputes,	 And keeps strong ones
apart. [19] A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city;   
And disputes are like the bars of a castle. [20] A man`s stomach is filled
with the fruit of his mouth.	With the harvest of his lips he is
satisfied. [21] Death and life are in the power of the tongue;	  Those who
love it will eat its fruit. [22] Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing,  
 And obtains favor of Yahweh. [23] The poor pleads for mercy,	 But the
rich answers harshly. [24] A man of many companions may be ruined,    But
there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.