Ordsprogene 18
1 Særlingen søger sin egen Lyst; han vælter sig ind paa alt det, som staar fast.
He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.
2 Daaren har ikke Behag i Forstand, men deri, at hans Hjerte aabenbarer sig.
A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.
3 Naar en ugudelig kommer, kommer ogsaa Foragt og med Skammen Forhaanelse.
With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace.
4 Ord i en Mands Mund ere dybe Vande, en sprudlende Bæk, Visdoms Kilde.
The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5 Det er ikke godt at anse den ugudeliges Person, at gøre en retfærdig Uret i Dommen.
Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.
6 Daarens Læber blande sig i Trætte, og hans Mund raaber efter Slag.
A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.
7 Daarens Mund er en Fordærvelse for ham selv, og hans Læber ere en Snare for hans Sjæl.
A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 En Bagvadskers Ord lyde som Skæmt, dog trænge de ind i inderste Bug.
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.
9 Ogsaa den, som er efterladen i sin Gerning, er Broder til den, som er en Ødeland.
Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.
10 Herrens Navn er et fast Taarn, den retfærdige løber til det og bliver beskyttet.
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
11 Den riges Gods er hans faste Stad og som en høj Mur i hans egen Tanke.
A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination.
12 Foran Undergang hovmoder en Mands Hjerte sig; og foran Ære gaar Ydmyghed.
Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
13 Naar nogen giver Svar, før han hører, er det ham en Daarskab og Skam.
He who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace to him.
14 En Mands Mod opholder ham i hans Sygdom; men naar Modet er nedslaaet, hvo kan bære det?
The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?
15 Den forstandiges Hjerte køber Kundskab, og de vises Øre søger efter Kundskab.
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.
16 Et Menneskes Gave gør Rum for ham og fører ham frem for store Herrer.
A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.
17 Den, som er den første i sin Trætte, synes at have Ret; men hans Modpart kommer og prøver ham.
The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
18 Lodden gør, at Trætter ophøre, og den gør Skel imellem de mægtige.
Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.
19 En Broder er mere genstridig end en fast Stad, og Trætter med ham ere som Stænger for et Palads.
An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle.
20 En Mands Bug skal mættes af hans Munds Frugt, han skal mættes af sine Læbers Frembringelser.
From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.
21 Død og Liv ere i Tungens Vold, og hvo den elsker, skal æde dens Frugt.
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 Hvo der har fundet en Hustru, har fundet en god Ting og bekommer en Velbehagelighed af Herren.
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
23 Den fattige taler med ydmyg Bøn; men en rig svarer med haarde Ord.
The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.
24 En Mand med mange Venner vil finde sig ilde stedt; men der er den Ven, som hænger fastere ved end en Broder.
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
