Mudre Izreke 18
1 Vlastitoj požudi popušta onaj tko zastranjuje, i svađa se usprkos svakom razboru.
He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.
2 Bezumnomu nije mio razum; stalo mu je dati srcu oduška.
A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.
3 Kad dolazi opačina, dolazi i prezir i bruka sa sramotom.
With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace.
4 Duboke su vode riječi iz usta nečijih, izvor mudrosti bujica što se razlijeva.
The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5 Ne valja se obazirati na opaku osobu, da se pravedniku nanese nepravda na sudu.
Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.
6 Bezumnikove se usne upuštaju u svađu i njegova usta izazivlju udarce.
A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.
7 Bezumnomu su propast vlastita usta i usne su mu zamka životu.
A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 Klevetnikove su riječi kao poslastice: spuštaju se u dno utrobe.
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.
9 Tko je nemaran u svom poslu, brat je onomu koji rasipa.
Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.
10 Tvrda je kula ime Jahvino: njemu se pravednik utječe i nalazi utočišta.
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
11 Bogatstvo je bogatašu njegova tvrđava i kao visok zid u mašti njegovoj.
A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination.
12 Pred slomom se oholi srce čovječje, a pred slavom ide poniznost.
Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
13 Tko odgovara prije nego što sasluša, na ludost mu je i sramotu.
He who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace to him.
14 Kad je čovjek bolestan, njegov ga duh podiže, a ubijen duh tko će podići?
The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?
15 Razumno srce stječe znanje i uho mudrih traži znanje.
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.
16 Dar čovjeku otvara put i vodi ga pred velikaše.
A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.
17 Prvi je pravedan u svojoj parnici, a kad dođe njegov protivnik, opovrgne ga.
The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
18 Ždrijeb poravna svađe, pa i među moćnicima odlučuje.
Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.
19 Uvrijeđen brat jači je od tvrda grada i svađe su kao prijevornice na tvrđavi.
An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle.
20 Svatko siti trbuh plodom usta svojih, nasićuje se rodom usana svojih.
From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.
21 Smrt i život u vlasti su jeziku, a tko ga miluje, jede od ploda njegova.
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 Tko je našao ženu, našao je sreću i stekao milost od Jahve.
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
23 Ponizno moleći govori siromah, a grubo odgovara bogataš.
The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.
24 Ima prijatelja koji vode u propast, a ima i prijatelja privrženijih od brata.
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
