The Selfishness of the Unfriendly

1For the desire thereof hee will separate himselfe to seeke it, and occupie himselfe in all wisdome.

2A foole hath no delite in vnderstanding: but that his heart may be discouered.

3When the wicked commeth, then commeth contempt, and with the vile man reproch.

4The words of a mans mouth are like deepe waters, and the welspring of wisdome is like a flowing riuer.

5It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to cause ye righteous to fall in iudgement.

6A fooles lips come with strife, & his mouth calleth for stripes.

7A fooles mouth is his owne destruction, and his lips are a snare for his soule.

8The wordes of a tale bearer are as flatterings, and they goe downe into the bowels of the belly.

9He also that is slouthfull in his worke, is euen the brother of him that is a great waster.

10The Name of the Lorde is a strong tower: the righteous runneth vnto it, and is exalted.

11The rich mans riches are his strong citie: and as an hie wall in his imagination.

12Before destruction the heart of a man is hautie, and before glory goeth lowlines.

13He that answereth a matter before hee heare it, it is folly and shame vnto him.

14The spirit of a man will susteine his infirmitie: but a wounded spirit who can beare it?

15A wise heart getteth knowledge, and the eare of the wise seeketh learning.

16A mans gift enlargeth him, and leadeth him before great men.

17He that is first in his owne cause, is iust: then commeth his neighbour, and maketh inquirie of him.

18The lot causeth contentions to cease, and maketh a partition among the mightie.

19A brother offended is harder to winne then a strong citie, and their contentions are like the barre of a palace.

20With the fruite of a mans mouth shall his belly be satisfied, and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

21Death & life are in the power of ye tongue, and they that loue it, shal eate the fruite thereof.

22He that findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and receiueth fauour of the Lord.

23The poore speaketh with prayers: but the rich answereth roughly.

24A man that hath friends, ought to shew him selfe friendly: for a friend is neerer then a brother.