1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeks and intermeddles with all wisdom.
2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
3 When the wicked comes, then comes also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
4 The words of a man' mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool' lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for strokes.
7 A fool' mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runs into it, and is safe.
11 The rich man' wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honor is humility.
13 He that answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?