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