1. HE WHO willfully separates and estranges himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire and pretext to break out against all wise and sound judgment.
2. A [self-confident] fool has no delight in understanding but only in revealing his personal opinions and himself.
3. When the wicked comes in [to the depth of evil], he becomes a contemptuous despiser [of all that is pure and good], and with inner baseness comes outer shame and reproach.
4. The words of a [discreet and wise] man's mouth are like deep waters [plenteous and difficult to fathom], and the fountain of skillful and godly Wisdom is like a gushing stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving].
5. To respect the person of the wicked and be partial to him, so as to deprive the [consistently] righteous of justice, is not good.
6. A [self-confident] fool's lips bring contention, and his mouth invites a beating.
7. A [self-confident] fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to himself.
8. The words of a whisperer or talebearer are as dainty morsels; they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
9. He who is loose and slack in his work is brother to him who is a destroyer and he who does not use his endeavors to heal himself is brother to him who commits suicide.
10. The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the [consistently] righteous man [upright and in right standing with God] runs into it and is safe, high [above evil] and strong.
11. The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high protecting wall in his own imagination and conceit.
12. Haughtiness comes before disaster, but humility before honor.