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18The one who lives alone is self-indulgent,
   showing contempt for all who have sound judgement.^*
2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,
   but only in expressing personal opinion.
³ When wickedness comes, contempt comes also;
   and with dishonour 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 judgement.
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 honour.
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 quarrelling 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 favour 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.