181 The one who lives alone is self-indulgent, showing contempt for all who have sound judgment.

2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinion.

3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonor comes disgrace.

4 The words of the mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.

5 It is not right to be partial to the guilty, or to subvert the innocent in judgment.

6 A fool's lips bring strife, and a fool's mouth invites a flogging. 7 The mouths of fools are their ruin, and their lips a snare to themselves.

8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.

9 One who is slack in work is close kin to a vandal.

10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.

11 The wealth of the rich is their strong city; in their imagination it is like a high wall.

12 Before destruction one's heart is haughty, but humility goes before honor.

13 If one gives answer before hearing, it is folly and shame.

14 The human spirit will endure sickness; but a broken spirit-who can bear?

15 An intelligent mind acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16 A gift opens doors; it gives access to the great.

17 The one who first states a case seems right, until the other comes and cross-examines.

18 Casting the lot puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders.

19 An ally offended is stronger than a city; such quarreling is like the bars of a castle.

20 From the fruit of the mouth one's stomach is satisfied; the yield of the lips brings satisfaction.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord.

23 The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.

24 Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than one's nearest kin.

Exhortations to Obedience

31 My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; 2 for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare they will give you. 3 Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and of people. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body. 9 Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. 11 My child, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the Lord reproves the one he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.

13 Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding, 14 for her income is better than silver, and her revenue better than gold. 15 She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. 16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called happy. 19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; 20 by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew.

21 My child, do not let these escape from your sight: keep sound wisdom and prudence, 22 and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. 23 Then you will walk on your way securely and your foot will not stumble. 24 If you sit down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 25 Do not be afraid of sudden panic, or of the storm that strikes the wicked; 26 for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.

27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it"-when you have it with you. 29 Do not plan harm against your neighbor who lives trustingly beside you. 30 Do not quarrel with anyone without cause, when no harm has been done to you. 31 Do not envy the violent and do not choose any of their ways; 32 for the perverse are an abomination to the Lord, but the upright are in his confidence. 33 The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the abode of the righteous. 34 Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he shows favor. 35 The wise will inherit honor, but stubborn fools, disgrace.