Thomson(i)
1 He who desireth to part with friends seeketh excuses; but he will always be liable to reproach.
2 He who is void of understanding hath no use for wisdom; for he is rather led by folly.
3 When a wicked man cometh to a depth of evils he sheweth contempt; but ignominy and reproach come upon him.
4 A speech in a man's heart is deep water; but a stream issueth forth and a flowing spring.
5 To respect the person of a wicked man is not good; nor is it consistent with piety to pervert justice in judgment.
6 The lips of a fool lead him into trouble; and his mouth when bold provoketh death.
7 The mouth of a fool is his destruction, and his lips are a snare for his soul.
8 Fear depresseth the slothful; and the souls of the effeminate shall suffer want.
9 He who doth not use his endeavours to cure himself is brother to him who destroyeth himself.
10 The name of the Lord is of majestic power; and the righteous having recourse to it shall be exalted.
11 A rich man's wealth is a strong city, and the glory of it casteth a great shadow.
12 Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, and before honour it is humble.
13 He who answereth a matter before he heareth it, exposeth his folly and incurreth contempt.
14 A wise servant appeaseth a man's anger; but a mean spirited man who can bear?
15 The heart of a prudent man getteth knowledge; and the ears of the wise seek understanding.
16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and procureth him a seat among the mighty.
17 A just man is his own accuser in his first speech; but when he is accused his adversary is refuted.
18 The silent lot putteth an end to contention, and determineth among the mighty.
19 A brother assisted by a brother is like a fortified and lofty city, and is strong as a well founded palace.
20 With the fruits of his mouth a man filleth his belly, and with the fruits of his lips he shall be satisfied.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they who have the command of it shall eat the fruits thereof.
22 He who hath found a good wife hath found favour, and hath received joy from God. He who putteth away a good wife, putteth away good things; but he who retaineth an adulteress is foolish and wicked.