Ordsprogene 18
1 Særlingen søger et Paaskud, med Vold og Magt vil han Strid.
He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense.
2 Taaben ynder ej Indsigt, men kun, at hans Tanker kommer for Lyset.
A foolish man has no pleasure in good sense, but only to let what is in his heart come to light.
3 Hvor Gudløshed kommer, kommer og Spot, Skam og Skændsel følges.
When the evil-doer comes, a low opinion comes with him, and with the loss of honour comes shame.
4 Ord i Mands Mund er dybe Vande, en rindende Bæk, en Visdomskilde.
The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters: the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.
5 Det er ilde at give en skyldig Medhold, saa man afviser skyldfris Sag i Retten.
To have respect for the person of the evil-doer is not good, or to give a wrong decision against the upright.
6 Taabens Læber fører til Trætte, hans Mund raaber højt efter Hug,
A foolish man's lips are a cause of fighting, and his mouth makes him open to blows.
7 Taabens Mund er hans Vaade, hans Læber en Snare for hans Liv.
The mouth of a foolish man is his destruction, and his lips are a net for his soul.
8 Bagtalerens Ord er som Lækkerbidskener, de synker dybt i Bugen.
The words of one who says evil of his neighbour secretly are like sweet food, and go down into the inner parts of the stomach.
9 Den, der er efterladen i Gerning, er ogsaa Broder til Ødeland.
He who does not give his mind to his work is brother to him who makes destruction.
10 HERRENS Navn er et stærkt Taarn, den retfærdige løber derhen og bjærges.
The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the upright man running into it is safe.
11 Den riges Gods er hans faste Stad, og tykkes ham en knejsende Mur.
The property of a man of wealth is his strong town, and it is as a high wall in the thoughts of his heart.
12 Mands Hovmod gaar forud for Fald, Ydmyghed forud for Ære.
Before destruction the heart of man is full of pride, and before honour goes a gentle spirit.
13 Om nogen svarer, førend han hører, regnes det ham til Daarskab og Skændsel.
To give an answer before hearing is a foolish thing and a cause of shame.
14 Mands Mod udholder Sygdom, men hvo kan bære en sønderbrudt Aand?
The spirit of a man will be his support when he is ill; but how may a broken spirit be lifted up?
15 Den forstandiges Hjerte vinder sig Kundskab, de vises Øre attraar Kundskab.
The heart of the man of good sense gets knowledge; the ear of the wise is searching for knowledge.
16 Gaver aabner et Menneske Vej og fører ham hen til de store.
A man's offering makes room for him, letting him come before great men.
17 Den, der taler først i en Trætte har Ret, til den anden kommer og gaar ham efter.
The man who first puts his cause before the judge seems to be in the right; but then his neighbour comes and puts his cause in its true light.
18 Loddet gør Ende paa Trætter og skiller de stærkeste ad.
The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong.
19 Krænket Broder er som en Fæstning, Trætter som Portslaa for Borg.
A brother wounded is like a strong town, and violent acts are like a locked tower.
20 Mands Bug mættes af Mundens Frugt, han mættes af Læbernes Grøde.
With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be full; the produce of his lips will be his in full measure.
21 Død og Liv er i Tungens Vold, hvo der tøjler den, nyder dens Frugt.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those to whom it is dear will have its fruit for their food.
22 Fandt man en Hustru, fandt man Lykken og modtog Naade fra HERREN.
Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord.
23 Fattigmand beder og trygler, Rigmand svarer med haarde Ord.
The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer.
24 Med mange Fæller kan Mand gaa til Grunde, men Ven kan overgaa Broder i Troskab.
There are friends who may be a man's destruction, but there is a lover who keeps nearer than a brother.
