Proverbs 18
1 He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense.
He that separateth himself seeketh [his own] desire, And rageth against all sound wisdom.
2 A foolish man has no pleasure in good sense, but only to let what is in his heart come to light.
A fool hath no delight in understanding, But only that his heart may reveal itself.
3 When the evil-doer comes, a low opinion comes with him, and with the loss of honour comes shame.
When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, And with ignominy [cometh] reproach.
4 The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters: the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.
The words of a man’s mouth are [as] deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is [as] a flowing brook.
5 To have respect for the person of the evil-doer is not good, or to give a wrong decision against the upright.
To respect the person of the wicked is not good, [Nor] to turn aside the righteous in judgment.
6 A foolish man's lips are a cause of fighting, and his mouth makes him open to blows.
A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calleth for stripes.
7 The mouth of a foolish man is his destruction, and his lips are a net for his soul.
A fool’s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 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.
The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.
9 He who does not give his mind to his work is brother to him who makes destruction.
He also 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 upright man running into it is safe.
The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; The righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
11 The property of a man of wealth is his strong town, and it is as a high wall in the thoughts of his heart.
The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And as a high wall in his own imagination.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is full of pride, and before honour goes a gentle spirit.
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor [goeth] humility.
13 To give an answer before hearing is a foolish thing and a cause of shame.
He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him.
14 The spirit of a man will be his support when he is ill; but how may a broken spirit be lifted up?
The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the man of good sense gets knowledge; the ear of the wise is searching for knowledge.
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
16 A man's offering makes room for him, letting him come before great men.
A man’s gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men.
17 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.
He that pleadeth his cause first [seemeth] just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out.
18 The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong.
The lot causeth contentions to cease, And parteth between the mighty.
19 A brother wounded is like a strong town, and violent acts are like a locked tower.
A brother offended [is harder to be won] than a strong city; And [such] contentions are like the bars of a castle.
20 With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be full; the produce of his lips will be his in full measure.
A man’s belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those to whom it is dear will have its fruit for their food.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
22 Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord.
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favor of Jehovah.
23 The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer.
The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly.
24 There are friends who may be a man's destruction, but there is a lover who keeps nearer than a brother.
He that maketh many friends [doeth it] to his own destruction; But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
