Proverbs 18
1 For the desire thereof hee will separate himselfe to seeke it, and occupie himselfe in all wisdome.
He who desires to separate himself seeks excuses, and rages against all sound wisdom.
2 A foole hath no delite in vnderstanding: but that his heart may be discouered.
A fool has no delight in understanding, but only that his heart may reveal itself.
3 When the wicked commeth, then commeth contempt, and with the vile man reproch.
When a wicked man comes, contempt also comes, and with disgrace, reproach.
4 The words of a mans mouth are like deepe waters, and the welspring of wisdome is like a flowing riuer.
The words of a man's mouth are deep waters. The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to cause ye righteous to fall in iudgement.
To respect the person of a wicked man is not good, nor to turn aside a righteous man in judgment.
6 A fooles lips come with strife, and his mouth calleth for stripes.
A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for stripes.
7 A fooles mouth is his owne destruction, and his lips are a snare for his soule.
A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The wordes of a tale bearer are as flatterings, and they goe downe into the bowels of the belly.
The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts.
9 He also that is slouthfull in his worke, is euen the brother of him that is a great waster.
He also that is slack in his work is brother to him that is a destroyer.
10 The Name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth vnto it, and is exalted.
The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. A righteous man runs into it, and is safe.
11 The rich mans riches are his strong citie: and as an hie wall in his imagination.
The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own imagination.
12 Before destruction the heart of a man is hautie, and before glory goeth lowlines.
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honor is humility.
13 He that answereth a matter before hee heare it, it is folly and shame vnto him.
He who gives answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him.
14 The spirit of a man will susteine his infirmitie: but a wounded spirit who can beare it?
The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity, but a broken spirit who can bear?
15 A wise heart getteth knowledge, and the eare of the wise seeketh learning.
The heart of a prudent man gets knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A mans gift enlargeth him, and leadeth 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 owne cause, is iust: then commeth his neighbour, and maketh inquirie of him.
He who pleads his case first seems just, but his neighbor comes and searches him out.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and maketh a partition among the mightie.
The lot causes contentions to cease, and decides between the mighty.
19 A brother offended is harder to winne then a strong citie, and their contentions are like the barre of a palace.
A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, and such contentions are like the bars of a castle.
20 With the fruite of a mans mouth shall his belly be satisfied, and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
A man's belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth. With the increase of his lips he shall be satisfied.
21 Death and life are in the power of ye tongue, and they that loue it, shall eate the fruite thereof.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it shall eat the fruit of it.
22 He that findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and receiueth fauour of the Lord.
He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from Jehovah.
23 The poore speaketh with prayers: but the rich answereth roughly.
A poor man uses entreaties, but a rich man answers roughly.
24 A man that hath friends, ought to shew him selfe friendly: for a friend is neerer then a brother.
He who makes many friends does it to his own destruction, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
