< Proverbs 18 >
1 A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses; but at all times he will be liable to reproach.
2 A senseless man feels no need of wisdom, for he is rather led by folly.
3 When an ungodly man comes into a depth of evils, he despises [them]; but dishonour and reproach come upon him.
4 A word in the heart of a man is a deep water, and a river and fountain of life spring forth.
5 [It is] not good to accept the person of the ungodly, nor [is it] holy to pervert justice in judgement.
6 The lips of a fool bring [him] into troubles, and his bold mouth calls for death.
7 A fool's mouth is ruin to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 Fear casts down the slothful; and the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.
9 A man who helps not himself by his labour is brother of him that ruins himself.
10 The name of the Lord is of great strength; and the righteous running to it are exalted.
11 The wealth of a rich man is a strong city; and its glory casts a broad shadow.
12 Before ruin a man's heart is exalted, and before honour it is humble.
13 Whoso answers a word before he hears [a cause], it is folly and reproach to him.
14 A wise servant calms a man's anger; but who can endure a faint-hearted man?
15 The heart of the sensible [man] purchases discretion; and the ears of the wise seek understanding.
16 A man's gift enlarges him, and seats him amongst princes.
17 A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech, but when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved.
18 A silent [man] quells strifes, and determines between great powers.
19 A brother helped by a brother is as a strong and high city; and is [as] strong as a [well]-founded palace.
20 A man fills his belly with the fruits of his mouth; and he shall be satisfied with the fruits of his lips.
21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue; and they that rule it shall eat the fruits thereof.
22 He that has found a good wife has found favours, and has received gladness from God. [He that puts away a good wife, puts away a good thing, and he that keeps an adulteress is foolish and ungodly.]
