Proverbs 18
1 He that separateth himself seeketh [his] pleasure, he is vehement against all sound wisdom.
A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses; but at all times he will be liable to reproach.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but only that his heart may reveal itself.
A senseless man feels no need of wisdom, for he is rather led by folly.
3 When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
When an ungodly man comes into a depth of evils, he despises [them]; but dishonor and reproach come upon him.
4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, [and] the fountain of wisdom is a gushing brook.
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 wicked, to wrong the righteous in judgment.
[It is] not good to accept the person of the ungodly, nor [is it] holy to pervert justice in judgment.
6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for stripes.
The lips of a fool bring [him] into troubles, and his bold mouth calls for death.
7 A fool's mouth is destruction to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
A fool's mouth is ruin to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 The words of a talebearer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Fear casts down the slothful; and the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.
9 He also who is indolent in his work is brother of the destroyer.
A man who helps not himself by his labor is brother of him that ruins himself.
10 The name of Jehovah is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
The name of the Lord is of great strength; and the righteous running to it are exalted.
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own imagination.
The wealth of a rich man is a strong city; and its glory casts a broad shadow.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; and before honour [goeth] humility.
Before ruin a man's heart is exalted, and before honor it is humble.
13 He that giveth answer before he heareth, it is folly and shame unto him.
Whoso answers a word before he hears [a cause], it is folly and reproach to him.
14 The spirit of a man sustaineth his infirmity; but a broken spirit who can bear?
A wise servant calms a man's anger; but who can endure a faint-hearted man?
15 The heart of an intelligent [man] getteth knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
The heart of the sensible [man] purchases discretion; and the ears of the wise seek understanding.
16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
A man's gift enlarges him, and seats him among princes.
17 He that is first in his own cause [seemeth] just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech, but when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
A silent [man] quells strifes, and determines between great powers.
19 A brother offended is [harder to be won] than a strong city; and contentions are as the bars of a palace.
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's belly is satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; with the increase of his lips is he satisfied.
A man fills his belly with the fruits of his mouth; and he shall be satisfied with the fruits of his lips.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Life and death are in the power of the tongue; and they that rule it shall eat the fruits thereof.
22 Whoso hath found a wife hath found a good thing, and hath obtained favour from Jehovah.
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.]
23 He that is poor speaketh with supplications, 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.
