Proverbs 18
1 He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense.
He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.
2 A foolish man has no pleasure in good sense, but only to let what is in his heart come to light.
A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.
3 When the evil-doer comes, a low opinion comes with him, and with the loss of honour comes shame.
With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace.
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 deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5 To have respect for the person of the evil-doer is not good, or to give a wrong decision against the upright.
Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.
6 A foolish man's lips are a cause of fighting, and his mouth makes him open to blows.
A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.
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 ruin, and his lips are a snare to 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 gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.
9 He who does not give his mind to his work is brother to him who makes destruction.
Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the upright man running into it is safe.
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are 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.
A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is full of pride, and before honour goes a gentle spirit.
Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
13 To give an answer before hearing is a foolish thing and a cause of shame.
He who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace to 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 can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?
15 The heart of the man of good sense gets knowledge; the ear of the wise is searching for knowledge.
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.
16 A man's offering makes room for him, letting him come before great men.
A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings 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.
The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
18 The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong.
Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.
19 A brother wounded is like a strong town, and violent acts are like a locked tower.
An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes 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.
From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is 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.
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord.
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
23 The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer.
The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.
24 There are friends who may be a man's destruction, but there is a lover who keeps nearer than a brother.
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
