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. Notesn1 Gr. having run.

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. Notesn1 See Ps. 118. 32.

17 A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech, but when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved. Notesn1 Comp. Mark 14. ult. and margin, with 2 Tim. 4. 14-17.

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 [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.] Notesn1 Heb. omits this verse.n2 Gr. plural.