Proverbs 18
1 He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense.
He who separateth himself seeketh his own desire; Against all sound discretion he rusheth on.
2 A foolish man has no pleasure in good sense, but only to let what is in his heart come to light.
The fool hath no delight in understanding, But rather in revealing his own mind.
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 baseness, shame.
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, And the wellspring of wisdom is an overflowing brook.
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 be partial to the wicked, So as to overthrow 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 a fool enter into strife, 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.
A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are a snare for his life.
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 talebearer are like sweet morsels; For they go down to the innermost parts of the body.
9 He who does not give his mind to his work is brother to him who makes destruction.
Moreover, he that is slothful in his work Is brother to him that is a great waster.
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 runneth to 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 conceit.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is full of pride, and before honour goes a gentle spirit.
Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility.
13 To give an answer before hearing is a foolish thing and a cause of shame.
He who answereth a matter before he hath heard it, It is folly and shame 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 will sustain his infirmity; But a wounded 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 intelligent will acquire knowledge, And the ear of the wise will seek knowledge.
16 A man's offering makes room for him, letting him come before great men.
A gift maketh room for a man, And bringeth him into the presence of the great.
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 first pleadeth his cause appeareth just; But his opponent cometh, and searcheth him through.
18 The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong.
The lot causeth contentions to cease, And parteth asunder 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; Yea, their 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.
With the fruit of a man's mouth shall his stomach be filled; He shall be filled with the produce of his lips.
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; They that love it shall eat its fruit.
22 Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord.
He that findeth a wife findeth a blessing, And obtaineth favor from the LORD.
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.
A man of many friends will show himself false; Yet there is a friend who sticketh closer than a brother.
