2 A fool does not delight in understanding, But in revealing his own [b] mind.
3 When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes, And with dishonor comes taunting.
4 The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters; [c] The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5 To show partiality to the wicked is not good, Nor to suppress the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool’s lips [d] bring strife, And his mouth invites beatings.
7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a gossiper are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the [e] innermost parts of the body.
9 He also who is lax in his work Is a brother to him who destroys.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is [f] safe.
11 A rich person’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own imagination.
12 Before destruction the heart of a person is haughty, But humility goes before honor.
13 One who gives an answer before he hears, It is foolishness and shame to him.
14 The spirit of a person can endure his sickness, But as for a broken spirit, who can endure it?
15 The [g] mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A person’s gift makes room for him And brings him before great people.
17 The first [h] to plead his case seems right, Until [i] another comes and examines him.
18 The cast lot puts an end to quarrels, And [j] decides between the mighty ones.
19 A brother who is offended is harder to be won than a strong city, And quarrels are like the bars of a citadel.
20 With the [k] fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; He will be satisfied with the product of his lips.
21 Death and life are in the [l] power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.