Proverbs 18
1 He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense.
Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all 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 that his heart may discover 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, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy 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, and the wellspring of wisdom 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.
It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, 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.
A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
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 talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
9 He who does not give his mind to his work is brother to him who makes destruction.
He also 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 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 an 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 man 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 a matter before he heareth 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 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 is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
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 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.
A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
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 of it.
22 Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord.
Whoever findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour 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 that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
