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

A man with many friends may be harmed,
but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.

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A man who finds a wife finds a good thing
and obtains favor from the Lord.

An offended brother is harder to reach
than a fortified city,
and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.

From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is satisfied;
he is filled with the product of his lips.

The poor man pleads,
but the rich one answers roughly.

The name of Yahweh is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are protected.

A fool does not delight in understanding,
but only wants to show off his opinions.

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

The one who gives an answer before he listens—
this is foolishness and disgrace for him.

A fool’s lips lead to strife,
and his mouth provokes a beating.

The first to state his case seems right
until another comes and cross-examines him.

The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters,
a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.

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

The one who is truly lazy in his work
is brother to a vandal.

A gift opens doors for a man
and brings him before the great.

A man’s spirit can endure sickness,
but who can survive a broken spirit?

The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks it.

A gossip’s words are like choice food
that goes down to one’s innermost being.

It is not good to show partiality to the guilty
by perverting the justice due the innocent.

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

Casting the lot ends quarrels
and separates powerful opponents.

When a wicked man comes, contempt also does,
and along with dishonor, disgrace.

A fool’s mouth is his devastation,
and his lips are a trap for his life.