Proverbs 18
1 He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense.
A man seeketh, for satisfaction, going his own way, through all safe counsel, he breaketh.
2 A foolish man has no pleasure in good sense, but only to let what is in his heart come to light.
A dullard, delighteth not, in understanding, in nothing save the exposing of his own heart.
3 When the evil-doer comes, a low opinion comes with him, and with the loss of honour comes shame.
When the lawless man cometh in, then cometh also contempt, and, with shame, reproach.
4 The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters: the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.
Deep waters, are the words of a man’s mouth, —a bubbling brook, 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.
To prefer a lawless man, is not good, thrusting away 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 dullard, enter into contention, and his mouth, for blows, crieth out.
7 The mouth of a foolish man is his destruction, and his lips are a net for his soul.
The mouth of a dullard, 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 tattler, are dainties, they, therefore go down into the chambers of the inner man.
9 He who does not give his mind to his work is brother to him who makes destruction.
Surely he that is slothful in his work, brother, is he to a master at laying waste.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the upright man running into it is safe.
A tower of strength, is the Name of Yahweh, thereinto, runneth the righteous, 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 substance of a rich man, is his strong city, and 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 grievous injury, a man’s heart is haughty, and, before honour, is humility.
13 To give an answer before hearing is a foolish thing and a cause of shame.
He that answereth before he heareth, a folly, it is to him, and, a reproach.
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, sustaineth his sickness, but, a dejected spirit, who can bear it?
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, acquireth knowledge, yea, the ear of the wise, seeketh knowledge.
16 A man's offering makes room for him, letting him come before great men.
The gift of a man, maketh room for him, and, before great men, setteth him down.
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.
Righteous is he that is first in his own cause, then cometh his neighbour, and thoroughly searcheth him.
18 The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong.
The lot causeth, contentions, to cease, and, the mighty, it parteth.
19 A brother wounded is like a strong town, and violent acts are like a locked tower.
A brother estranged, [is worse] than a strong city, —and, contentions, are as the bar of a citadel.
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.
Of the fruit of a man’s mouth, shall his inmost mind be satisfied, with the product 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, its friends, shall eat its fruits.
22 Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord.
Who hath found a wife, hath found a blessing, and hath obtained favour from Yahweh.
23 The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer.
Supplications, doth the poor man utter, but, the rich, answereth fiercely.
24 There are friends who may be a man's destruction, but there is a lover who keeps nearer than a brother.
A man having [many] friends, shall come to ruin, but there is a loving one, who sticketh closer than a brother.
