Proverbs 18
1 He that separateth himself seeketh [his] pleasure, he is vehement against all sound wisdom.
A man who isolates himself pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgement.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but only that his heart may reveal itself.
A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion.
3 When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and with shame comes disgrace.
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 brook.
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to wrong the righteous in judgment.
To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, nor to deprive the innocent of justice.
6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for stripes.
A fool’s lips come into strife, and his mouth invites beatings.
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 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.
The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: they go down into a person’s innermost parts.
9 He also who is indolent in his work is brother of the destroyer.
One who is slack in his work is brother to him who is a master of destruction.
10 The name of Jehovah is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
The LORD’s name is a strong tower: the righteous run to him, and are 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, like an unscalable wall in his own imagination.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; and before honour [goeth] humility.
Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honour is humility.
13 He that giveth answer before he heareth, it is folly and shame unto him.
He who answers before he hears, that is folly and shame to him.
14 The spirit of a man sustaineth his infirmity; but a broken spirit who can bear?
A man’s spirit will sustain him in sickness, but a crushed 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 discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.
17 He that is first in his own cause [seemeth] just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
He who pleads his cause first seems right— until another comes and questions him.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
The lot settles disputes, and keeps strong ones apart.
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 more difficult than a fortified city. Disputes are like the bars of a fortress.
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 stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth. With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.
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; those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 Whoso hath found a wife hath found a good thing, and hath obtained favour from Jehovah.
Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favour of the LORD.
23 He that is poor speaketh with supplications, but the rich answereth roughly.
The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.
24 A man of [many] friends will come to ruin but there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.
A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
