Proverbs 18
1 He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense.
He that separateth himself [from God] seeketh his own desires: at every sound wisdom is he enraged.
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 in laying open what is in his heart.
3 When the evil-doer comes, a low opinion comes with him, and with the loss of honour comes shame.
When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with dishonorable acts, disgrace.
4 The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters: the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.
Like deep waters are the words of a [wise] man's mouth, and a bubbling brook is the well-spring of wisdom.
5 To have respect for the person of the evil-doer is not good, or to give a wrong decision against the upright.
It is not good to favor the person of the wicked, to wrest [the cause of the] righteous in judgment.
6 A foolish man's lips are a cause of fighting, and his mouth makes him open to blows.
The lips of the fool come with contention, and his mouth calleth for blows.
7 The mouth of a foolish man is his destruction, and his lips are a net for his soul.
The mouth of the fool is a destruction to himself, 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 wounds, and they go down indeed into the innermost parts of the body.
9 He who does not give his mind to his work is brother to him who makes destruction.
He also that showeth himself slothful in his work is a brother to the destroyer.
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, whereunto the righteous runneth, and is placed in safety.
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 town, and as a towering wall in his own conceit.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is full of pride, and before honour goes a gentle spirit.
Before downfall the heart of man becometh haughty, and before honor goeth humility.
13 To give an answer before hearing is a foolish thing and a cause of shame.
When one returneth an answer before he understandeth [the question], it is folly unto him and shame.
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 readily bear his disease; but a depressed 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 man of understanding will obtain 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 before great men will it lead him.
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 is first in his cause seemeth just; but when his neighbor cometh, then will it be investigated.
18 The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong.
The lot causeth disputes to cease, and it decideth 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 town; and quarrels [among brothers] 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 a man's mouth is his body satisfied; with the product of his lips doth he satisfy himself.
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 will eat its fruit.
22 Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord.
Whoso hath found a wife hath found happiness, and hath obtained favor from the Lord.
23 The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer.
The poor speaketh entreatingly; 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.
A man's many companions are hurtful to him; but there is many a friend that cleaveth closer than a brother.
