Ordsprogene 18
1 Særlingen søger et Paaskud, med Vold og Magt vil han Strid.
He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.
2 Taaben ynder ej Indsigt, men kun, at hans Tanker kommer for Lyset.
A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.
3 Hvor Gudløshed kommer, kommer og Spot, Skam og Skændsel følges.
With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace.
4 Ord i Mands Mund er dybe Vande, en rindende Bæk, en Visdomskilde.
The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5 Det er ilde at give en skyldig Medhold, saa man afviser skyldfris Sag i Retten.
Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.
6 Taabens Læber fører til Trætte, hans Mund raaber højt efter Hug,
A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.
7 Taabens Mund er hans Vaade, hans Læber en Snare for hans Liv.
A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 Bagtalerens Ord er som Lækkerbidskener, de synker dybt i Bugen.
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.
9 Den, der er efterladen i Gerning, er ogsaa Broder til Ødeland.
Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.
10 HERRENS Navn er et stærkt Taarn, den retfærdige løber derhen og bjærges.
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 tykkes ham en knejsende Mur.
A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination.
12 Mands Hovmod gaar forud for Fald, Ydmyghed forud for Ære.
Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
13 Om nogen svarer, førend han hører, regnes det ham til Daarskab og Skændsel.
He who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace to him.
14 Mands Mod udholder Sygdom, men hvo kan bære en sønderbrudt Aand?
The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?
15 Den forstandiges Hjerte vinder sig Kundskab, de vises Øre attraar Kundskab.
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.
16 Gaver aabner et Menneske Vej og fører ham hen til de store.
A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.
17 Den, der taler først i en Trætte har Ret, til den anden kommer og gaar ham efter.
The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
18 Loddet gør Ende paa Trætter og skiller de stærkeste ad.
Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.
19 Krænket Broder er som en Fæstning, Trætter som Portslaa for Borg.
An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle.
20 Mands Bug mættes af Mundens Frugt, han mættes af Læbernes Grøde.
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 er i Tungens Vold, hvo der tøjler den, nyder dens Frugt.
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 Fandt man en Hustru, fandt man Lykken og modtog Naade fra HERREN.
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
23 Fattigmand beder og trygler, Rigmand svarer med haarde Ord.
The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.
24 Med mange Fæller kan Mand gaa til Grunde, men Ven kan overgaa Broder i Troskab.
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
