12. Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before esteem is humility.
13. He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.
14. The spirit of a man sustains him in sickness, But who does bear a broken spirit?
15. The heart of the understanding one gets knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16. A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.
17. The first to state his own case, seems right, Until another comes and examines him.