18 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

² A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

³ When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

⁴ The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

⁵ It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

⁶ A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

⁷ A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

⁸ The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

²¹ Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

¹⁵ My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.

¹⁶ Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.