1 He that separateth himself seeketh his own desire,
And rageth against all sound wisdom.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding,
But only that his heart may reveal itself.
3 When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt,
And with ignominy cometh reproach.
4 The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters;
The wellspring of wisdom is as a flowing brook.
5 To respect the person of the wicked is not good,
Nor to turn aside the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool’s lips enter into contention,
And his mouth calleth for stripes.
7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels,
And they go down into the innermost parts.
9 He also that is slack in his work
Is brother to him that is a destroyer.
10 The name of Jehovah is a strong tower;
The righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
And as a high wall in his own imagination.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty;
And before honor goeth humility.
13 He that giveth answer before he heareth,
It is folly and shame unto him.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity;
But a broken spirit who can bear?