The Selfishness of the Unfriendly 1 WBS Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. BSB BSB: He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.
2 WBS A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may reveal itself. BSB BSB: A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.
3 WBS When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach. BSB BSB: With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace.
4 WBS The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the well-spring 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 WBS 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 WBS A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. BSB BSB: A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.
7 WBS 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 WBS The words of a tale-bearer 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 WBS 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 WBS The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth 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 WBS The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a 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 WBS 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 WBS He that answereth a matter before he heareth 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 WBS 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 WBS The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. BSB BSB: The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.
16 WBS A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. BSB BSB: A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.
17 WBS He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbor cometh and searcheth him.BSB BSB: The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
18 WBS The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty. BSB BSB: Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.
19 WBS 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 WBS 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 WBS Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit of it. BSB BSB: Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 WBS Whoever findeth a wife findeth a good thing , and obtaineth favor from the LORD.BSB BSB: He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
23 WBS The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth roughly. BSB BSB: The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.
24 WBS A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh 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.