22 A cheerful heart is good as medicine, but a dull spirit dries up the bones.

23 The wicked take a gift out of his bosom to pervert the ways of justice.

24 Wisdom is before the face of the prudent, but the eyes of a fool are at the end of the earth.

25 A foolish son is a vexation to his father, and a grief to his mother.

26 It is not good to accuse the righteous, nor to beat the nobles for righteousness' sake.

27 He who understands is temperate in his words, and he who is prudent is cool.

28 And a fool, when he is silent, may seem wise, and he that shuts his mouth may seem wise.

Chapter 18

1 A wayward man seeks whim, rebels against all that is intelligent.

2 A fool does not love knowledge, but only to show his understanding.

3 With the coming of the wicked cometh contempt, and with disgrace reproach.

4 The words of the mouth of men are deep waters; The source of wisdom is a flowing stream.

5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked, that he may overthrow the righteous in judgment.

6 The mouth of a fool goes into strife, and his words cause scourges.

7 The tongue of a fool is his ruin, and his mouth is a snare for his soul.

8 [Fear overthrows the sluggard, but effeminate souls will starve.]

9 The words of the earpiece are like dainties, and they enter into the inside of the womb.

10 He who is slothful in his work is the brother of the spendthrift.

11 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous flee into it, and he is safe.

12 A rich man's possessions are his strong city, and like a high hedge in his imagination.

13 Before the fall the heart of man is lifted up, and humility precedes glory.