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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 dishonour 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 labour 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 honour 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 favours, 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.]
* 18:10 Gr. having run. † 18:16 See Ps. 118. 32. ‡ 18:17 Comp. Mark 14. ult. and margin, with 2 Tim. 4. 14-17. § 18:22a Heb. omits this verse. ** 18:22a Gr. plural.