Proverbs 18
1 He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.
A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses; but at all times he will be liable to reproach.
2 A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.
A senseless man feels no need of wisdom, for he is rather led by folly.
3 With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace.
When an ungodly man comes into a depth of evils, he despises [them]; but dishonor and reproach come upon him.
4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
A word in the heart of a man is a deep water, and a river and fountain of life spring forth.
5 Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.
[It is] not good to accept the person of the ungodly, nor [is it] holy to pervert justice in judgment.
6 A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.
The lips of a fool bring [him] into troubles, and his bold mouth calls for death.
7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
A fool's mouth is ruin to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.
Fear casts down the slothful; and the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.
9 Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.
A man who helps not himself by his labor is brother of him that ruins himself.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
The name of the Lord is of great strength; and the righteous running to it are exalted.
11 A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination.
The wealth of a rich man is a strong city; and its glory casts a broad shadow.
12 Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
Before ruin a man's heart is exalted, and before honor it is humble.
13 He who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace to him.
Whoso answers a word before he hears [a cause], it is folly and reproach to him.
14 The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?
A wise servant calms a man's anger; but who can endure a faint-hearted man?
15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.
The heart of the sensible [man] purchases discretion; and the ears of the wise seek understanding.
16 A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.
A man's gift enlarges him, and seats him among princes.
17 The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech, but when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved.
18 Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.
A silent [man] quells strifes, and determines between great powers.
19 An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle.
A brother helped by a brother is as a strong and high city; and is [as] strong as a [well]-founded palace.
20 From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.
A man fills his belly with the fruits of his mouth; and he shall be satisfied with the fruits of his lips.
21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Life and death are in the power of the tongue; and they that rule it shall eat the fruits thereof.
22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
He that has found a good wife has found favours, and has received gladness from God. [He that puts away a good wife, puts away a good thing, and he that keeps an adulteress is foolish and ungodly.]
23 The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.
24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
