2A fool does not delight in understanding,But in revealing his own[b]mind.3When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes,And with dishonorcomes taunting.4The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters;[c]The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.5To show partiality to the wicked is not good,Nor to suppress the righteous in judgment.6A fool’s lips[d]bring strife,And his mouth invites beatings.7A fool’s mouth is his ruin,And his lips are the snare of his soul.8The words of a gossiper are like dainty morsels,And they go down into the[e]innermost parts of the body.9He also who is lax in his workIs a brother to him who destroys.10The name of the LORD is a strong tower;The righteous runs into it and is[f]safe.11A rich person’s wealth is his strong city,And like a high wall in his own imagination.12Before destruction the heart of a person is haughty,But humilitygoes before honor.13One who gives an answer before he hears,It is foolishness and shame to him.14The spirit of a person can endure his sickness,Butas for a broken spirit, who can endure it?15The[g]mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.16A person’s gift makes room for himAnd brings him before great people.17The first[h]to plead his caseseems right,Until[i]another comes and examines him.18Thecast lot puts an end to quarrels,And[j]decides between the mighty ones.19A brother who is offendedis harder to be won than a strong city,And quarrels are like the bars of a citadel.20With the[k]fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied;He will be satisfiedwith the product of his lips.21Death and life are in the[l]power of the tongue,And those who love it will eat its fruit.