_1. Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. _2. A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. _3. When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach. _4. The words of a man's 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's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. _7. A fool's 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 runneth into it, and is safe. _11. The rich man's 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 honour is humility. _13. He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. _14. The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? _15. The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. _16. A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. _17. He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. _18. The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty. _19. A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle. _20. A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. _21. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. _22. Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. _23. The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly. _24. A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.