1 For [an object of] desire he who is separated doth seek, With all wisdom he intermeddleth. 2 A fool delighteth not in understanding, But -- in uncovering his heart. 3 With the coming of the wicked come also hath contempt, And with shame -- reproach. 4 Deep waters [are] the words of a man's mouth, The fountain of wisdom [is] a flowing brook. 5 Acceptance of the face of the wicked [is] not good, To turn aside the righteous in judgment. 6 The lips of a fool enter into strife, And his mouth for stripes calleth. 7 The mouth of a fool [is] ruin to him, And his lips [are] the snare of his soul. 8 The words of a tale-bearer [are] as self-inflicted wounds, And they have gone down [to] the inner parts of the heart. 9 He also that is remiss in his work, A brother he [is] to a destroyer. 10 A tower of strength [is] the name of Jehovah, Into it the righteous runneth, and is set on high. 11 The wealth of the rich [is] the city of his strength, And as a wall set on high in his own imagination. 12 Before destruction the heart of man is high, And before honour [is] humility. 13 Whoso is answering a matter before he heareth, Folly it is to him and shame. 14 The spirit of a man sustaineth his sickness, And a smitten spirit who doth bear? 15 The heart of the intelligent getteth knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. 16 The gift of a man maketh room for him, And before the great it leadeth him. 17 Righteous [is] the first in his own cause, His neighbour cometh and hath searched him. 18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, And between the mighty it separateth. 19 A brother transgressed against is as a strong city, And contentions as the bar of a palace. 20 From the fruit of a man's mouth is his belly satisfied, [From the] increase of his lips he is satisfied. 21 Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue, And those loving it eat its fruit. 22 [Whoso] hath found a wife hath found good, And bringeth out good-will from Jehovah. 23 [With] supplications doth the poor speak, And the rich answereth fierce things. 24 A man with friends [is] to show himself friendly, And there is a lover adhering more than a brother! | |