ESV Study Bible | English Standard Version

18 Whoever y isolates himself seeks his own desire;
he breaks out against all sound judgment.
 2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,
but only z in expressing his opinion.
 3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also,
and with dishonor comes disgrace.
 4 The words of a man's mouth are a deep waters;
the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
 5 It is not good to b be partial to [1] the wicked
or to c deprive the righteous of justice.
 6 A fool's lips walk into a fight,
and his mouth invites d a beating.
 7 e A fool's mouth is his ruin,
and his lips are a snare to his soul.
 8 f The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
they go down into g the inner parts of the body.
 9 Whoever is slack in his work
is a h brother to him who destroys.
10 i The name of the Lord is j a strong tower;
the righteous man runs into it and k is safe.
11 l A rich man's wealth is his strong city,
and like a high wall in his imagination.
12 m Before destruction a man's heart is haughty,
but n humility comes before honor.
13 If one gives an answer o before he hears,
it is his folly and shame.
14 A man's spirit will endure sickness,
but p a crushed spirit who can bear?
15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A man's q gift makes room for him
and brings him before the great.
17 The one who states his case first seems right,
until the other comes and examines him.
18 r The lot puts an end to quarrels
and decides between powerful contenders.
19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city,
and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
20 s From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied;
he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
21 t Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits.
22 He who finds u a wife finds v a good thing
and w obtains favor x from the Lord.
23 The poor use entreaties,
but y the rich answer roughly.
24 A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but z there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.