Proverbs 18
1 He that separateth himself seeketh [his] pleasure, he is vehement against all sound wisdom.
He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but only that his heart may reveal itself.
A foolish man has no pleasure in good sense, but only to let what is in his heart come to light.
3 When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
When the evil-doer comes, a low opinion comes with him, and with the loss of honour comes shame.
4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, [and] the fountain of wisdom is a gushing brook.
The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters: the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to wrong the righteous in judgment.
To have respect for the person of the evil-doer is not good, or to give a wrong decision against the upright.
6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for stripes.
A foolish man's lips are a cause of fighting, and his mouth makes him open to blows.
7 A fool's mouth is destruction to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
The mouth of a foolish man is his destruction, and his lips are a net for his soul.
8 The words of a talebearer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
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.
9 He also who is indolent in his work is brother of the destroyer.
He who does not give his mind to his work is brother to him who makes destruction.
10 The name of Jehovah is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the upright man running into it is safe.
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own imagination.
The property of a man of wealth is his strong town, and it is as a high wall in the thoughts of his heart.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; and before honour [goeth] humility.
Before destruction the heart of man is full of pride, and before honour goes a gentle spirit.
13 He that giveth answer before he heareth, it is folly and shame unto him.
To give an answer before hearing is a foolish thing and a cause of shame.
14 The spirit of a man sustaineth his infirmity; but a broken spirit who can bear?
The spirit of a man will be his support when he is ill; but how may a broken spirit be lifted up?
15 The heart of an intelligent [man] getteth knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
The heart of the man of good sense gets knowledge; the ear of the wise is searching for knowledge.
16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
A man's offering makes room for him, letting him come before great men.
17 He that is first in his own cause [seemeth] just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
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.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong.
19 A brother offended is [harder to be won] than a strong city; and contentions are as the bars of a palace.
A brother wounded is like a strong town, and violent acts are like a locked tower.
20 A man's belly is satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; with the increase of his lips is he satisfied.
With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be full; the produce of his lips will be his in full measure.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those to whom it is dear will have its fruit for their food.
22 Whoso hath found a wife hath found a good thing, and hath obtained favour from Jehovah.
Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord.
23 He that is poor speaketh with supplications, but the rich answereth roughly.
The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer.
24 A man of [many] friends will come to ruin but there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.
There are friends who may be a man's destruction, but there is a lover who keeps nearer than a brother.
