12 The substance of the rich man is his strong city, and as a high hedge in his imagination.

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

14 Whoever gives an answer without hearing is a fool, and shame on him.

15 The spirit of man endures his infirmities; and a stricken spirit – who can strengthen it?

16 The heart of the wise acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

17 A man's gift gives him space, and will bring him to the nobles.

18 The first is right in his lawsuit, but his adversary cometh and examines him.

19 The lot puts an end to the disputes, and decides among the strong.

20 An embittered brother is more impregnable than a strong city, and quarrels are like the locks of a castle.

21 From the fruit of a man's mouth his belly is filled; by the work of his mouth he is satisfied.

22 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it shall eat of its fruit.

23 Whoever has found a [good] wife has found good, and has received grace from the Lord. [He who casts out a good wife casts out happiness, but he who keeps an adulteress is foolish and wicked.]

24 The beggar speaks supplicatingly, but the rich man answers rudely.

25 Whoever wants to have friends must also be friendly himself; and there is a friend who is more attached than a brother.

Chapter 19

1 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity, than a man with a lying mouth, and a fool at that.

2 It is not good for the soul without knowledge, and he who hastens will stumble with his feet.

3 A man's foolishness perverteth his way, and his heart is angry with the Lord.

4 Wealth adds many friends, but the poor man is left to his friend also.

5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who tells a lie will not be saved.

6 Many ingratiate themselves with the noble, and every one is a friend of the man who gives gifts.