1. For the desire thereof he will (a) separate himself to seek it, and occupy himself in all wisdom.
(a) He who loves wisdom will separate himself from all impediments, and give himself wholly to seek it.
2. A fool hath no delight in understanding: but that his heart may be (b) discovered.
(b) That is, that he may talk licentiously of whatever comes to mind.
3. When the wicked cometh, then cometh (c) contempt, and with the vile man reproach.
(c) Meaning, such a one as condemns all others.
4. The words of a man's mouth are like deep (d) waters, and the wellspring of wisdom is like a flowing river.
(d) Which can never be drawn empty, but always bring profit.
5. It is not good to (e) accept the person of the wicked, to cause ye righteous to fall in judgment.
(e) That is, to favour him and support him.
6. A fool's lips come with strife, and his mouth calleth for stripes.
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7. A fool's mouth is his own destruction, and his lips are a snare for his soul.
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8. The words of a tale bearer are as flatterings, and they go down into the (f) bowels of the belly.
(f) They are soon believed and enter most deeply.
9. He also that is slothful in his work, is even the brother of him that is a great waster.
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10. The Name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous (g) runneth unto it, and is exalted.
(g) He shows the refuge of the godly against all trouble.
11. The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
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12. Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before glory goeth lowliness.
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13. He that answereth a matter before he hear it, it is folly and shame unto him.
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14. The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity: but (h) a wounded spirit who can bear it?
(h) The mind can well bear the infirmity of the body, but when the spirit is wounded, it is hard to sustain.
15. A wise heart getteth knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeketh learning.
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16. A man's i gift enlargeth him, and leadeth him before great men.
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17. (k) He that is first in his own cause, is just: then cometh his neighbor, and maketh inquiry of him.
(k) He who speaks first, is best heard from the wicked judge, but when his adversary enquires out the matter it turns to his shame.
18. The lot (l) causeth contentions to cease, and (m) maketh a partition among the mighty.
(l) If a controversy cannot otherwise be decided, it is best to cast lots to know whose the thing will be.
(m) Appeases their controversy, who are so stout that they cannot otherwise be pacified.
19. A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and their contentions are like the (n) bar of a palace.
(n) Which for the strength of it will not bow or yield.
20. With the fruit of a man's mouth shall his belly be satisfied, and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
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21. Death and life are in the power of ye tongue, and they that (o) love it, shall eat the fruit thereof
(o) By the using the tongue well or evil, comes the fruit of it either good or bad.
22. He that findeth a (p) wife, findeth a good thing, and receiveth favor of the Lord.
(p) He who is joined with a virtuous woman in marriage is blessed by the Lord, as in Proverbs 19:14.
23. The poor speaketh with prayers: but the rich answereth roughly.
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24. A man that hath friends, ought to shew himself friendly: for a friend is nearer (q) than a brother.
(q) That is, often such are found who are more ready to do pleasure, than he that is more bound by duty.
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