1 A man who isolates himself pursues selfishness,

and defies all sound judgement.

2 A fool has no delight in understanding,

but only in revealing his own opinion.

3 When wickedness comes, contempt also comes,

and with shame comes disgrace.

4 The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters.

The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.

5 To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good,

nor to deprive the innocent of justice.

6 A fool’s lips come into strife,

and his mouth invites beatings.

7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction,

and his lips are a snare to his soul.

8 The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels:

they go down into a person’s innermost parts.

9 One who is slack in his work

is brother to him who is a master of destruction.

10 The LORD’s name is a strong tower:

the righteous run to him, and are safe.

11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,

like an unscalable wall in his own imagination.

12 Before destruction the heart of man is proud,

but before honour is humility.

13 He who answers before he hears,

that is folly and shame to him.

14 A man’s spirit will sustain him in sickness,

but a crushed spirit, who can bear?