6
A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites 1a beating.
7
2A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8
3The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into 4the inner parts of the body.
9
Whoever is slack in his work is a 5brother to him who destroys.
10
6The name of the LORD is 7a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and 8is safe.
11
9A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination.
12
10Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but 11humility comes before honor.
13
If one gives an answer 12before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
14
A man's spirit will endure sickness, but 13a crushed spirit who can bear?
15
An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16
A man's 14gift 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
15The 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.
20
16From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
21
17Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
22
He who finds 18a wife finds 19a good thing and 20obtains favor 21from the LORD.
23
The poor use entreaties, but 22the rich answer roughly.
24
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but 23there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.