1 WHEN a man is inactive he imagines lust and mocks at good instruction.

2 A fool has no delight in wisdom, because his mind devises folly.

3 When the wicked reaches the depths of evil, then folly comes upon him, iniquity, disgrace, and shame.

4 The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters; and the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.

5 It is not good to respect the person of the wicked, nor to pervert justice against the righteous.

6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth brings him to death,

7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

8 The words of a slothful man bring evil to him, and they cause him to go down into the inner chambers of Sheol.

9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him who is a destroyer.

10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous and the mighty run into it.

11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city; and his dwelling place is fenced by a strong wall.

12 Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty; and before honor is humility.

13 He who gives answer before he hears is a fool and a reviler.

14 The spirit of a man will endure his suffering; but a distressing spirit, who can bear?

15 The heart of the prudent acquires wisdom; and the ear of the wise listens to knowledge.

16 A man's gifts make room for him and bring him before great men.

17 A man is deemed innocent in his lawsuit; but when his neighbor comes he examines him.

18 Casting lots causes contentions to cease and decides between mighty men.

19 A brother helped by a brother is like a city helped by its fortifications; and his helpers are like the bars of a castle.

20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruits of his mouth; and with the fruits of his lips shall he be filled.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those who love it shall eat the fruits thereof.

22 He who finds a good wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the LORD. And he who puts out a good wife, puts out good from his house.

23 The poor speak humbly; but the rich talk of great things.

24 There are friends who are merely friends; and there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.