< Proverbs 18 >
1 He that separateth himself seeketh [his] pleasure, he is vehement against all sound wisdom.
Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh [and] intermeddleth with all wisdom.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but only that his heart may reveal itself.
A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
3 When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
When the wicked cometh, [then] cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
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 as] deep waters, [and] the wellspring of wisdom [as] a flowing brook.
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to wrong the righteous in judgment.
[It is] not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for stripes.
A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
7 A fool's mouth is destruction to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
A fool’s mouth [is] his destruction, and his lips [are] the snare of 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 a talebearer [are] as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
9 He also who is indolent in his work is brother of the destroyer.
He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
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 righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own imagination.
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 haughty; and before honour [goeth] humility.
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour [is] humility.
13 He that giveth answer before he heareth, it is folly and shame unto him.
He that answereth a matter before he heareth [it], it [is] folly and shame unto him.
14 The spirit of a man sustaineth his infirmity; but a broken spirit who can bear?
The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of an intelligent [man] getteth knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
17 He that is first in his own cause [seemeth] just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
[He that is] first in his own cause [seemeth] just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
19 A brother offended is [harder to be won] than a strong city; and contentions are as the bars of a palace.
A brother offended [is harder to be won] than a strong city: and [their] contentions [are] like the bars of a castle.
20 A man's belly is satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; with the increase of his lips is he satisfied.
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 they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
22 Whoso hath found a wife hath found a good thing, and hath obtained favour from Jehovah.
[Whoso] findeth a wife findeth a good [thing], and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
23 He that is poor speaketh with supplications, but the rich answereth roughly.
The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
24 A man of [many] friends will come to ruin but there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.
A man [that hath] friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.