3
When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace.
4
The words of a man's mouth are 1deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5
It is not good to 2be partial to the wicked or to 3deprive the righteous of justice.
6
A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites 4a beating.
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5A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8
6The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into 7the inner parts of the body.
9
Whoever is slack in his work is a 8brother to him who destroys.
10
9The name of the LORD is 10a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and 11is safe.
11
12A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination.
12
13Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but 14humility comes before honor.
13
If one gives an answer 15before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
14
A man's spirit will endure sickness, but 16a crushed spirit who can bear?
15
An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16
A man's 17gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.
17
The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.
18
18The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders.
19
A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
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19From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
21
20Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
22
He who finds 21a wife finds 22a good thing and 23obtains favor 24from the LORD.
23
The poor use entreaties, but 25the rich answer roughly.
24
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but 26there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.