1 E l que vive aislado busca su propio deseo, contra todo consejo se encoleriza.

He who willfully separates and estranges himself seeks his own desire and pretext to break out against all wise and sound judgment.

2 E l necio no se deleita en la prudencia, sino sólo en revelar su corazón.

A fool has no delight in understanding but only in revealing his personal opinions and himself.

3 C uando llega el impío, llega también el desprecio, y con la deshonra viene la afrenta.

When the wicked comes in, he becomes a contemptuous despiser, and with inner baseness comes outer shame and reproach.

4 A guas profundas son las palabras de la boca del hombre; arroyo que fluye, la fuente de sabiduría.

The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters, and the fountain of skillful and godly Wisdom is like a gushing stream.

5 N o es bueno mostrar preferencia por el impío, para ignorar al justo en el juicio.

To respect the person of the wicked and be partial to him, so as to deprive the righteous of justice, is not good.

6 L os labios del necio provocan contienda, y su boca llama a los golpes.

A fool’s lips bring contention, and his mouth invites a beating.

7 L a boca del necio es su ruina, y sus labios una trampa para su alma.

A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to himself.

8 L as palabras del chismoso son como bocados deliciosos, y penetran hasta el fondo de las entrañas.

The words of a whisperer or talebearer are as dainty morsels; they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

9 T ambién el que es negligente en su trabajo es hermano del que destruye.

He who is loose and slack in his work is brother to him who is a destroyer and he who does not use his endeavors to heal himself is brother to him who commits suicide.

10 E l nombre del Señor es torre fuerte, a ella corre el justo y está a salvo.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe, high and strong.

11 L a fortuna del rico es su ciudad fortificada, y como muralla alta en su imaginación.

The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as a high protecting wall in his own imagination and conceit.

12 A ntes de la destrucción el corazón del hombre es altivo, pero a la gloria precede la humildad.

Haughtiness comes before disaster, but humility before honor.

13 E l que responde antes de escuchar, cosecha necedad y vergüenza.

He who answers a matter before he hears the facts—it is folly and shame to him.

14 E l espíritu del hombre puede soportar su enfermedad, pero el espíritu quebrantado, ¿quién lo puede sobrellevar ?

The strong spirit of a man sustains him in bodily pain or trouble, but a weak and broken spirit who can raise up or bear?

15 E l corazón del prudente adquiere conocimiento, y el oído del sabio busca el conocimiento.

The mind of the prudent is ever getting knowledge, and the ear of the wise is ever seeking (inquiring for and craving) knowledge.

16 L a dádiva del hombre le abre camino y lo lleva ante la presencia de los grandes.

A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.

17 J usto parece el primero que defiende su causa hasta que otro viene y lo examina.

He who states his case first seems right, until his rival comes and cross-examines him.

18 L a suerte pone fin a las contiendas y decide entre los poderosos.

To cast lots puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders.

19 E l hermano ofendido es más difícil de ganar que una ciudad fortificada, y las contiendas son como cerrojos de fortaleza.

A brother offended is harder to be won over than a strong city, and contentions separate them like the bars of a castle.

20 C on el fruto de su boca el hombre sacia su vientre, con el producto de sus labios se saciará.

A man’s self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied.

21 M uerte y vida están en poder de la lengua, y los que la aman comerán su fruto.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it.

22 E l que halla esposa halla algo bueno y alcanza el favor del Señor.

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.

23 E l pobre habla suplicando, pero el rico responde con dureza.

The poor man uses entreaties, but the rich answers roughly.

24 E l hombre de muchos amigos se arruina, pero hay amigo más unido que un hermano.

The man of many friends will prove himself a bad friend, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.