18 One isolating himself will seek [his own] selfish longing;+ against all practical wisdom he will break forth.+

² Anyone stupid finds no delight in discernment,+ except that his heart should uncover itself.+

³ When a wicked one comes in, contempt also must come in;+ and along with dishonor+ there is reproach.

⁴ The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters.+ The well of wisdom is a torrent bubbling forth.+

⁵ The showing of partiality to the wicked one is not good,+ nor the turning aside of the righteous one in judgment.+

⁶ The lips of one who is stupid enter into quarreling,+ and his very mouth calls even for strokes.+

⁷ The mouth of the stupid one is the ruin of him,+ and his lips are a snare for his soul.+

⁸ The words of the slanderer are like things to be swallowed greedily,+ which do go down into the innermost parts of the belly.+

⁹ Also, the one showing himself slack in his work+—he is a brother to the one causing ruin.*+

¹⁰ The name of Jehovah is a strong tower.+ Into it the righteous runs and is given protection.*+

¹¹ The valuable things of the rich are his strong town,+ and they are like a protective wall in his imagination.+

¹² Before a crash the heart of a man is lofty,+ and before glory there is humility.+

¹³ When anyone is replying to a matter before he hears [it],+ that is foolishness on his part and a humiliation.+

¹⁴ The spirit of a man* can put up with his malady;+ but as for a stricken spirit, who can bear it?+

¹⁵ The heart of the understanding one acquires knowledge,+ and the ear of wise ones seeks to find knowledge.+

¹⁶ A man’s gift* will make a large opening for him,+ and it will lead him even before great people.+

¹⁷ The one first in his legal case is righteous;+ his fellow comes in and certainly searches him through.+

¹⁸ The lot puts even contentions to rest,+ and it separates even the mighty from one another.+

¹⁹ A brother who is transgressed against is more than a strong town;+ and there are contentions that are like the bar of a dwelling tower.+

²⁰ From the fruitage of a man’s* mouth his belly will be satisfied;+ he will be satisfied even with the produce of his lips.+

²¹ Death and life are in the power* of the tongue,+ and he that is loving it will eat its fruitage.+

²² Has one found a [good]* wife?+ One has found a good thing,+ and one gets goodwill from Jehovah.+

²³ Entreaties the one of little means speaks out,+ but one that is rich answers in a strong way.+

²⁴ There exist* companions disposed to break one another to pieces,+ but there exists a friend sticking closer than a brother.+