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18 He who separates himself indulges his desires
    and shows contempt for sound advice of any kind.

A fool takes no pleasure in trying to understand;
    he only wants to express his own opinion.

When a wicked person comes, contempt comes too,
    and with disdain, provocation.

The words of a man’s mouth are deep water,
    a gushing torrent, a fountain of wisdom.

It is not good to be partial to the guilty
    and thus deprive the innocent of justice.

A fool’s words get him into fights;
    yes, his mouth calls out for a beating.
A fool’s mouth is his ruin;
    his words are a trap for him.
A slanderer’s words are tasty morsels;
    they slide right down into the belly.

Whoever is lazy in doing his work
    is brother to the destroyer.

10 The name of Adonai is a strong tower;
    a righteous person runs to it and is raised high [above danger].
11 The wealth of the rich is his fortified city,
    like a high wall, in his own imagination.

12 Before being ruined, a person’s heart is proud;
    before being honored, a person must be humble.

13 To answer someone before hearing him out
    is both stupid and embarrassing.

14 A person’s spirit can sustain him when ill,
    but a crushed spirit — who can bear it?

15 The mind of a person with discernment gets knowledge,
    and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16 A person’s gift clears his way
    and gives him access to the great.

17 The first to state his case seems right,
    till the other one comes and cross-examines.
18 Casting lots puts an end to strife
    and separates powerful disputants.

19 It is harder to win an offended brother than a strong city;
    their fights are like the bars of a fortress.

20 A person’s belly will be filled with the fruit of his mouth;
    with what his lips produce he will be filled.
21 The tongue has power over life and death;
    those who indulge it must eat its fruit.

22 He who finds a wife finds a great good;
    he has won the favor of Adonai.

23 The poor man speaks beseechingly,
    the rich man’s answer is blunt.

24 Some “friends” pretend to be friends,
    but a true friend sticks closer than a brother.

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