1 A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses; But at all times he will be liable to reproach.10 The name of the Lord is of great strength; And the righteous 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 honor 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 enlarges him, And seats him among princes.17 A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech, But 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.2 A senseless man feels no need of wisdom, For he is rather led by folly.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 favors, And has received gladness from God.22a He that puts away a good wife, puts away a good thing, And he that keeps an adulteress is foolish and ungodly.3 When an ungodly man comes into a depth of evils, he despises them; But dishonor 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 judgment.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 labor Is brother of him that ruins himself.