Proverbs 18
1 He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.
He that separateth himself seeketh his own desire, and snarlest against all sound wisdom.
2 A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.
A fool hath no delight in understanding, but only that his heart may lay itself bare.
3 With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace.
When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters; a flowing brook, a fountain of wisdom.
5 Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.
It is not good to respect the person of the wicked, so as to turn aside the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.
A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.
The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
9 Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.
Even one that is slack in his work is brother to him that is a destroyer.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is set up on high.
11 A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination.
The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own conceit.
12 Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honour goeth humility.
13 He who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace to him.
He that giveth answer before he heareth, it is folly and confusion unto him.
14 The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?
The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a broken spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
16 A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.
A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
17 The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him out.
18 Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.
The lot causeth strife to cease, and parteth asunder the contentious.
19 An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle.
A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
20 From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.
A man's belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; with the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied.
21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that indulge it shall eat the fruit thereof.
22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a great good, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
23 The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.
The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth impudently.
24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
There are friends that one hath to his own hurt; but there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
