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The Selfishness of the Unfriendly

¹ He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.

² A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.

³ With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace.

⁴ The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

⁵ Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.

⁶ A fool's lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.⁷ A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

⁸ A gossip’s words are like choice morsels; they sink into the inmost being.

⁹ Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.

¹⁰ The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

¹¹ A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination.

¹² Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.

¹³ He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.

¹⁴ The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?

¹⁵ The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.

¹⁶ A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.

¹⁷ The first to state his case seems right until another comes forward and examines him.

¹⁸ Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.

¹⁹ An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle.

²⁰ From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.

²¹ Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

²² He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.

²³ The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.

²⁴ A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.