The Unfriendly Pursue Selfishness

1He that separateth himself seeketh [his] pleasure, he is vehement against all sound wisdom.

2A fool hath no delight in understanding, but only that his heart may reveal itself.

3When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

4The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, [and] the fountain of wisdom is a gushing brook.

5It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to wrong the righteous in judgment.

6A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for stripes.

7A fool's mouth is destruction to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

8The words of a talebearer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

9He also who is indolent in his work is brother of the destroyer.

10The name of Jehovah is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

11The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own imagination.

12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; and before honour [goeth] humility.

13He that giveth answer before he heareth, it is folly and shame unto him.

14The spirit of a man sustaineth his infirmity; but a broken spirit who can bear?

15The heart of an intelligent [man] getteth knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

16A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

17He that is first in his own cause [seemeth] just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

18The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

19A brother offended is [harder to be won] than a strong city; and contentions are as the bars of a palace.

20A man's belly is satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; with the increase of his lips is he satisfied.

21Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

22Whoso hath found a wife hath found a good thing, and hath obtained favour from Jehovah.

23He that is poor speaketh with supplications, but the rich answereth roughly.

24A man of [many] friends will come to ruin but there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.