1One who is alienated seeks a pretext,

with all persistence picks a quarrel.

2Fools take no delight in understanding,

but only in displaying what they think.*

3With wickedness comes contempt,

and with disgrace, scorn.

4The words of one’s mouth are deep waters,

the spring of wisdom, a running brook.* a

5It is not good to favor the guilty,

nor to reject the claim of the just.b

6The lips of fools walk into a fight,

and their mouths are asking for a beating.*

7The mouths of fools are their ruin;

their lips are a deadly snare.c

8The words of a talebearer are like dainty morsels:

they sink into one’s inmost being.d

9Those slack in their work

are kin to the destroyer.

10* The name of the Lord is a strong tower;

the just run to it and are safe.

11The wealth of the rich is their strong city;e

they fancy it a high wall.

12Before disaster the heart is haughty,f

but before honor is humility.

13Whoever answers before listening,g

theirs is folly and shame.*

14One’s spirit supports one when ill,

but a broken spirit who can bear?*

15The heart of the intelligent acquires knowledge,

and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.*

16Gifts clear the way for people,

winning access to the great.h

17Those who plead the case first seem to be in the right;

then the opponent comes and cross-examines them.*

18The lot puts an end to disputes,

and decides a controversy between the mighty.*

19A brother offended is more unyielding than a stronghold;

such strife is more daunting than castle gates.*

20With the fruit of one’s mouth one’s belly is filled,

with the produce of one’s lips one is sated.* i

21Death and life are in the power of the tongue;j

those who choose one shall eat its fruit.*

22To find a wife is to find happiness,

a favor granted by the Lord.k

23The poor implore,

but the rich answer harshly.

24There are friends who bring ruin,

but there are true friends more loyal than a brother.l