18 Whoever isolates himself pursues his own selfish desires;
He rejects all practical wisdom.
2 A stupid person takes no pleasure in understanding;
He would rather disclose what is in his heart.
3 When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes,
And along with dishonor there is disgrace.
4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters.
The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5 It is not good to show partiality to the wicked one
Or to deprive the righteous one of justice.
6 The speech of the stupid one leads to quarrels,
And his mouth invites a beating.
7 The mouth of the stupid is his ruin,
And his lips are a snare for his life.
8 The words of a slanderer are like tasty morsels;
They are gulped right down into the stomach.
9 Whoever is lazy in his work
Is a brother to the one who causes ruin.
10 The name of Ahv'ah {Heb. Yahvah} is a strong tower.
Into it the righteous one runs and receives protection.
11 The wealth of the rich is his fortified city;
It is like a protective wall in his imagination.
12 Before a crash a man’s heart is lofty,
And before glory there is humility.
13 When anyone replies to a matter before he hears the facts,
It is foolish and humiliating.
14 A person’s spirit can sustain him through illness,
But who can bear a crushed spirit?
15 The heart of the understanding one acquires knowledge,
And the ear of the wise seeks to find knowledge.
16 A man’s gift opens the way for him;
It gives him access to great people.
17 The first to state his case seems right,
Until the other party comes and cross-examines him.
18 Casting lots puts an end to disputes
And decides between strong opponents.
19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a fortified city,
And there are disputes like the bars of a fortress.
20 From the fruitage of a man’s speech his stomach will be filled;
He will be satisfied with what his lips produce.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue;
Those who love to use it will eat its fruitage.
22 The one who finds a good wife has found something good,
And he receives Ahv'ah {Heb. Yahvah}’s favor.
23 The poor man implores when speaking,
But the rich man answers harshly.
24 There are companions ready to crush one another,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.