1. A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses; but at all times he will be liable to reproach.
2. A senseless man feels no need of wisdom, for he is rather led by folly.
3. When an ungodly man comes into a depth of evils, he despises them; but dishonour and reproach come upon him.
4. A word in the heart of a man is a deep water, and a river and fountain of life spring forth.
5. It is not good to accept the person of the ungodly, nor is it holy to pervert justice in judgement.
6. The lips of a fool bring him into troubles, and his bold mouth calls for death.
7. A fool’s mouth is ruin to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8. Fear casts down the slothful; and the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.
9. A man who helps not himself by his labour is brother of him that ruins himself.
10. The name of the Lord is of great strength; and the righteous [Gr. having run] running to it are exalted.
11. The wealth of a rich man is a strong city; and its glory casts a broad shadow.
12. Before ruin a man’s heart is exalted, and before honour it is humble.
13. Whoso answers a word before he hears a cause, it is folly and reproach to him.
14. A wise servant calms a man’s anger; but who can endure a faint-hearted man?
15. The heart of the sensible man purchases discretion; and the ears of the wise seek understanding.
16. A man’s gift [See Ps 119:32] enlarges him, and seats him among princes.
17. A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech, but [Comp. Mr 14 ult. and margin, with 2 Ti 4:14-17] when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved.
18. A silent man quells strifes, and determines between great powers.
19. A brother helped by a brother is as a strong and high city; and is as strong as a well-founded palace.
20. A man fills his belly with the fruits of his mouth; and he shall be satisfied with the fruits of his lips.
21. Life and death are in the power of the tongue; and they that rule it shall eat the fruits thereof.
22. He that has found a good wife has found favours, and has received gladness from God. [(18:22AA)][Heb. omits this verse] He that puts away a good wife, puts away a [Gr. plural] good thing, and he that keeps an adulteress is foolish and ungodly.
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