Proverbs 18
1 For the desire thereof hee will separate himselfe to seeke it, and occupie himselfe in all wisdome.
He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.
2 A foole hath no delite in vnderstanding: but that his heart may be discouered.
A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.
3 When the wicked commeth, then commeth contempt, and with the vile man reproch.
With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace.
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 fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to cause ye righteous to fall in iudgement.
Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.
6 A fooles lips come with strife, and his mouth calleth for stripes.
A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.
7 A fooles mouth is his owne destruction, and his lips are a snare for his soule.
A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to 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 gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.
9 He also that is slouthfull in his worke, is euen the brother of him that is a great waster.
Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.
10 The Name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth vnto it, and is exalted.
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
11 The rich mans riches are his strong citie: and as an hie wall in his imagination.
A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination.
12 Before destruction the heart of a man is hautie, and before glory goeth lowlines.
Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
13 He that answereth a matter before hee heare it, it is folly and shame vnto him.
He who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace 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 can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?
15 A wise heart getteth knowledge, and the eare of the wise seeketh learning.
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.
16 A mans gift enlargeth him, and leadeth him before great men.
A man’s gift opens doors 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.
The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and maketh a partition among the mightie.
Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.
19 A brother offended is harder to winne then a strong citie, and their contentions are like the barre of a palace.
An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes 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.
From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.
21 Death and life are in the power of ye tongue, and they that loue it, shall eate the fruite thereof.
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
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 the LORD.
23 The poore speaketh with prayers: but the rich answereth roughly.
The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.
24 A man that hath friends, ought to shew him selfe friendly: for a friend is neerer then a brother.
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
