12 Before destruction the heart of man is high, And before  honour [is] humility.
         
                                
                        13 Whoso is answering a matter before he heareth, Folly it is  to him and shame.
         
                                
                        14 The spirit of a man sustaineth his sickness, And a smitten  spirit who doth bear?
         
                                
                        15 The heart of the intelligent getteth knowledge, And the  ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
         
                                
                        16 The gift of a man maketh room for him, And before the  great it leadeth him.
         
                                
                        17 Righteous [is] the first in his own cause, His neighbour  cometh and hath searched him.
         
                                
                        18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, And between the  mighty it separateth.