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