18 A person who isn’t friendly looks out only for themselves.
They oppose all good sense by starting fights.
2 Foolish people don’t want to understand.
They take delight in saying only what they think.
3 People hate it when evil comes.
And they refuse to honor those who bring shame.
4 The words of a person’s mouth are like deep water.
But the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.
5 It isn’t good to favor those who do wrong.
That would keep justice from those who aren’t guilty.
6 What foolish people say leads to arguing.
They are just asking for a beating.
7 The words of foolish people drag them down.
They are trapped by what they say.
8 The words of anyone who talks about others are like tasty bites of food.
They go deep down inside you.
9 Anyone who doesn’t want to work
is like someone who destroys.
10 The name of the Lord is like a strong tower.
Godly people run to it and are safe.
11 The wealth of rich people is like a city that makes them feel safe.
They think of it as a city with walls that can’t be climbed.
12 If a person’s heart is proud, they will be destroyed.
So don’t be proud if you want to be honored.
13 To answer before listening
is foolish and shameful.
14 A cheerful spirit gives strength even during sickness.
But you can’t keep going if you have a broken spirit.
15 Those whose hearts understand what is right get knowledge.
That’s because the ears of those who are wise listen for it.
16 A gift opens the door
and helps the giver meet important people.
17 In court, the first one to speak seems right.
Then someone else comes forward and questions him.
18 Casting lots will put a stop to arguing.
It will keep the strongest enemies apart.
19 A broken friendship is harder to handle than a city with high walls around it.
And arguing is like the locked gates of a mighty city.
20 Because of what they say a person can fill their stomach.
What their words produce can satisfy them.
21 Your tongue has the power of life and death.
Those who love to talk will eat the fruit of their words.
22 The one who finds a wife finds what is good.
He receives favor from the Lord.
23 Poor people beg for mercy.
But rich people answer in a mean way.
24 A person with unfaithful friends soon comes to ruin.
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.