1 F or desire he who is separated doth seek, With all wisdom he intermeddleth.

2 A fool delighteth not in understanding, But -- in uncovering his heart.

3 W ith the coming of the wicked come also hath contempt, And with shame -- reproach.

4 D eep waters the words of a man's mouth, The fountain of wisdom a flowing brook.

5 A cceptance of the face of the wicked not good, To turn aside the righteous in judgment.

6 T he lips of a fool enter into strife, And his mouth for stripes calleth.

7 T he mouth of a fool ruin to him, And his lips the snare of his soul.

8 T he words of a tale-bearer as self-inflicted wounds, And they have gone down the inner parts of the heart.

9 H e also that is remiss in his work, A brother he to a destroyer.

10 A tower of strength the name of Jehovah, Into it the righteous runneth, and is set on high.

11 T he wealth of the rich the city of his strength, And as a wall set on high in his own imagination.

12 B efore destruction the heart of man is high, And before honour humility.

13 W hoso is answering a matter before he heareth, Folly it is to him and shame.

14 T he spirit of a man sustaineth his sickness, And a smitten spirit who doth bear?

15 T he heart of the intelligent getteth knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

16 T he gift of a man maketh room for him, And before the great it leadeth him.

17 R ighteous the first in his own cause, His neighbour cometh and hath searched him.

18 T he lot causeth contentions to cease, And between the mighty it separateth.

19 A brother transgressed against is as a strong city, And contentions as the bar of a palace.

20 F rom the fruit of a man's mouth is his belly satisfied, increase of his lips he is satisfied.

21 D eath and life in the power of the tongue, And those loving it eat its fruit.

22 h ath found a wife hath found good, And bringeth out good-will from Jehovah.

23 s upplications doth the poor speak, And the rich answereth fierce things.

24 A man with friends to show himself friendly, And there is a lover adhering more than a brother!