How Fools Talk

1Whoever isolates himself pursues selfish ends;

he resists all sound advice.

2A fool finds no satisfaction in trying to understand,

for he would rather express his own opinion.

3When an evil person comes, contempt also comes,

along with dishonor and disgrace.

4The words a man says are as deep waters—

a fountain of wisdom is an overflowing stream.

5It’s not good to be partial towards an evil person,

thereby depriving the righteous of justice.

6A fool’s wordsa bring strife,

and his mouth invites fighting.

7A fool’s mouth is his unraveling,

and his lips entrap himself.

8The words of a gossip are like choice morsels

as they descend to the innermost parts of the body.

Avoiding Fools and Their Foolishness

9Whoever is lazy regarding his work

is also a brother to the master of destruction.

10The name of the LORD is a strong tower;

a righteous person rushes to it and is lifted up above the danger.b

11The wealth of a rich person is his fortified city;

in his own imagination, it is like a high wall.

12Before a man’s downfall, his mindc is arrogant,

but humility precedes honor.

13Whoever answers before listening

is both foolish and shameful.

14A man’s spirit can sustain him during his illness,

but who can bear a crushed spirit?

15The mindd of a discerning person gains knowledge,

while the ears of wise people seek out knowledge.

16A person’s gift opens doors for him,

bringing him access to important people.

17The first to put forth his case seems right,

until someone else steps forward and cross-examines him.

18Casting dice settles a dispute,

deciding between strong contenders.

19An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city,

and his disputes are like the bars of a fortress.

20The positive words that a man speakse fill his stomach;

he will be satisfied with what his lips produce.

21The power of the tongue is life and death—

those who love to talkf will eat what it produces.

22Whoever finds a wife finds what is good,

and receives favor from the LORD.

23The poor person pleads for mercy,

but the wealthy man responds harshly.

24A man with many friends can still be ruined,

but a true friend sticks closer than a brother.