BSB(i)
16 A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.
17 The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
18 Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.
19 An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle.
20 From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.
21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
23 The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.
24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.