A Fool’s Big Mouth
1One who isolates oneself seeks his own desire; he defies all sound judgment.
2A fool finds no delight in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
3When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with dishonor comes disgrace.
4The words of one’s mouth are deep waters, a fountain of wisdom, a flowing brook.
5Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.
6The lips of a fool enter into an argument and his mouth invites a beating.
7A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8The words of a gossip are tasty morsels, going down into one’s innermost being.
9One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.
10The Name of Adonai is a strong tower. The righteous one runs into it and is set safely up high.
11A rich person’s wealth is a strong city or like a high wall—in his imagination.
12Before ruin a person’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
13One who answers before listening— that is his folly and his shame.
14One’s spirit sustains him through illness, but who can bear a crushed spirit?
15A discerning heart gains knowledge, the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
Overcoming Opposition and Offenses
16A man’s gift makes room for him, and leads him before great men.
17The first to state his case seems just, until another comes and cross-examines him.
18Casting lots ends quarrels and decides between mighty opponents.
19An offended brother is more formidable than a fortified city, and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.
20From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled— with the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.
21Death and life are in the control of the tongue. Those who indulge in it will eat its fruit.
22Whoever finds a wife finds good, and receives favor from Adonai.
23The poor request favor, but the rich answer harshly.
24A man with many friends may be harmed by them, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.