1 A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses;

But at all times he will be liable to reproach.

2 A senseless man feels no need of wisdom,

For he is rather led by folly.

3 When an ungodly man comes into a depth of evils, he despises them;

But dishonor and reproach come upon him.

4 A word in the heart of a man is a deep water,

And a river and fountain of life spring forth.

5 It is not good to accept the person of the ungodly,

Nor is it holy to pervert justice in judgment.

6 The lips of a fool bring him into troubles,

And his bold mouth calls for death.

7 A fool’s mouth is ruin to him,

And his lips are a snare to his soul.

8 Fear casts down the slothful;

And the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.

9 A man who helps not himself by his labor

Is brother of him that ruins himself.

10 The name of the Lord is of great strength;

And the righteous running to it are exalted.

11 The wealth of a rich man is a strong city;

And its glory casts a broad shadow.

12 Before ruin a man’s heart is exalted,

And before honor it is humble.

13 Whoso answers a word before he hears a cause,

It is folly and reproach to him.

14 A wise servant calms a man’s anger;

But who can endure a faint-hearted man?

15 The heart of the sensible man purchases discretion;

And the ears of the wise seek understanding.

16 A man’s gift enlarges him,

And seats him among princes.

17 A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech,

But when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved.

18 A silent man quells strifes,

And determines between great powers.

19 A brother helped by a brother is as a strong and high city;

And is as strong as a well-founded palace.

20 A man fills his belly with the fruits of his mouth;

And he shall be satisfied with the fruits of his lips.

21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue;

And they that rule it shall eat the fruits thereof.

22 He that has found a good wife has found favors,

And has received gladness from God.

22a He that puts away a good wife, puts away a good thing,

And he that keeps an adulteress is foolish and ungodly.