The Selfishness of the Unfriendly 1 AKJV Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeks and intermeddles with all wisdom. BSB BSB: He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.
2 AKJV A fool has no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. BSB BSB: A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.
3 AKJV When the wicked comes, then comes also contempt, and with ignominy reproach. BSB BSB: With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace.
4 AKJV The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. BSB BSB: The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5 AKJV It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment. BSB BSB: Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.
6 AKJV A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for strokes. BSB BSB: A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.
7 AKJV A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. BSB BSB: A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 AKJV The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. BSB BSB: The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.
9 AKJV He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster. BSB BSB: Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.
10 AKJV The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runs into it, and is safe. BSB BSB: The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
11 AKJV The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit. BSB BSB: A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination.
12 AKJV Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honor is humility. BSB BSB: Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
13 AKJV He that answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him. BSB BSB: He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.
14 AKJV The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? BSB BSB: The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?
15 AKJV The heart of the prudent gets knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. BSB BSB: The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.
16 AKJV A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. BSB BSB: A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.
17 AKJV He that is first in his own cause seems just; but his neighbor comes and searches him. BSB BSB: The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
18 AKJV The lot causes contentions to cease, and parts between the mighty. BSB BSB: Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.
19 AKJV A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle. BSB BSB: An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle.
20 AKJV A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. BSB BSB: From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.
21 AKJV Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. BSB BSB: Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 AKJV Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of the LORD. BSB BSB: He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
23 AKJV The poor uses entreaties; but the rich answers roughly. BSB BSB: The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.
24 AKJV A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. BSB BSB: A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
Select verses for actions: Enter goes to them and Escape comes back.