Proverbs 18
1 For the desire thereof hee will separate himselfe to seeke it, and occupie himselfe in all wisdome.
A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses; but at all times he will be liable to reproach.
2 A foole hath no delite in vnderstanding: but that his heart may be discouered.
A senseless man feels no need of wisdom, for he is rather led by folly.
3 When the wicked commeth, then commeth contempt, and with the vile man reproch.
When an ungodly man comes into a depth of evils, he despises [them]; but dishonour and reproach come upon him.
4 The words of a mans mouth are like deepe waters, and the welspring of wisdome is like a flowing riuer.
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 cause ye righteous to fall in iudgement.
[It is] not good to accept the person of the ungodly, nor [is it] holy to pervert justice in judgement.
6 A fooles lips come with strife, and his mouth calleth for stripes.
The lips of a fool bring [him] into troubles, and his bold mouth calls for death.
7 A fooles mouth is his owne destruction, and his lips are a snare for his soule.
A fool's mouth is ruin to him, 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.
Fear casts down the slothful; and the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.
9 He also that is slouthfull in his worke, is euen the brother of him that is a great waster.
A man who helps not himself by his labour is brother of him that ruins himself.
10 The Name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth vnto it, and is exalted.
The name of the Lord is of great strength; and the righteous running to it are exalted.
11 The rich mans riches are his strong citie: and as an hie wall in his imagination.
The wealth of a rich man is a strong city; and its glory casts a broad shadow.
12 Before destruction the heart of a man is hautie, and before glory goeth lowlines.
Before ruin a man's heart is exalted, and before honour it is humble.
13 He that answereth a matter before hee heare it, it is folly and shame vnto him.
Whoso answers a word before he hears [a cause], it is folly and reproach to him.
14 The spirit of a man will susteine his infirmitie: but a wounded spirit who can beare it?
A wise servant calms a man's anger; but who can endure a faint-hearted man?
15 A wise heart getteth knowledge, and the eare of the wise seeketh learning.
The heart of the sensible [man] purchases discretion; and the ears of the wise seek understanding.
16 A mans gift enlargeth him, and leadeth him before great men.
A man's gift enlarges him, and seats him amongst princes.
17 He that is first in his owne cause, is iust: then commeth his neighbour, and maketh inquirie of 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 maketh a partition among the mightie.
A silent [man] quells strifes, and determines between great powers.
19 A brother offended is harder to winne then a strong citie, and their contentions are like the barre 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 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 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 ye tongue, and they that loue it, shall eate the fruite thereof.
Life and death are in the power of the tongue; and they that rule it shall eat the fruits thereof.
22 He that findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and receiueth fauour of the Lord.
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 The poore speaketh with prayers: but the rich answereth roughly.
24 A man that hath friends, ought to shew him selfe friendly: for a friend is neerer then a brother.
