1 For [an object of] 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 With the coming of the wicked come also hath contempt, And with shame -- reproach.

4 Deep waters [are] the words of a mans mouth, The fountain of wisdom [is] a flowing brook.

5 Acceptance of the face of the wicked [is] not good, To turn aside the righteous in judgment.

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

7 The mouth of a fool [is] ruin to him, And his lips [are] the snare of his soul.

8 The words of a tale-bearer [are] as self-inflicted wounds, And they have gone down [to] the inner parts of the heart.

9 He also that is remiss in his work, A brother he [is] to a destroyer.

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

11 The wealth of the rich [is] the city of his strength, And as a wall set on high in his own imagination.

12 Before destruction the heart of man is high, And before honour [is] humility.

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

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