Proverbs 18
1 For the desire thereof hee will separate himselfe to seeke it, and occupie himselfe in all wisdome.
Whoever has a will to withdraw from a friend, seeks occasions; he shall be reproached at all times.
2 A foole hath no delite in vnderstanding: but that his heart may be discouered.
The foolish do not accept words of prudence, unless you say what is already turning in his heart.
3 When the wicked commeth, then commeth contempt, and with the vile man reproch.
The impious, when he has arrived within the depths of sin, thinks little of it. But ill repute and disgrace follow him.
4 The words of a mans mouth are like deepe waters, and the welspring of wisdome is like a flowing riuer.
Words from the mouth of a man are deep waters. And the fountain of wisdom is a torrent overflowing.
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 character of the impious, so as to turn away from true judgment.
6 A fooles lips come with strife, and his mouth calleth for stripes.
The lips of the foolish meddle in disputes. And his mouth provokes conflicts.
7 A fooles mouth is his owne destruction, and his lips are a snare for his soule.
The mouth of the foolish is his destruction, and his own lips are the ruin 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 the double-tongued seem simple. And they reach even to the interior of the gut. Fear casts down the lazy, but the souls of the effeminate shall go hungry.
9 He also that is slouthfull in his worke, is euen the brother of him that is a great waster.
Whoever is dissolute and slack in his work is the brother of him who wastes his own works.
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 very strong tower. The just one rushes to it, and he shall be exalted.
11 The rich mans riches are his strong citie: and as an hie wall in his imagination.
The substance of the wealthy is the city of his strength, and it is like a strong wall encircling him.
12 Before destruction the heart of a man is hautie, and before glory goeth lowlines.
The heart of a man is exalted before it is crushed and humbled before it is glorified.
13 He that answereth a matter before hee heare it, it is folly and shame vnto him.
Whoever responds before he listens, demonstrates himself to be foolish and deserving of confusion.
14 The spirit of a man will susteine his infirmitie: but a wounded spirit who can beare it?
The spirit of a man sustains his weakness. Yet who can sustain a spirit that is easily angered?
15 A wise heart getteth knowledge, and the eare of the wise seeketh learning.
A prudent heart shall possess knowledge. And the ear of the wise seeks doctrine.
16 A mans gift enlargeth him, and leadeth him before great men.
A man’s gift expands his way and makes space for him before leaders.
17 He that is first in his owne cause, is iust: then commeth his neighbour, and maketh inquirie of him.
The just is the first accuser of himself; his friend arrives and shall investigate him.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and maketh a partition among the mightie.
Casting a lot suppresses contentions and passes judgment, even among the powerful.
19 A brother offended is harder to winne then a strong citie, and their contentions are like the barre of a palace.
A brother who is helped by a brother is like a reinforced city, and judgments are like the bars of cities.
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 a man’s mouth shall his belly be filled. And the harvest of his own lips shall satisfy him.
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. Whoever values it shall eat from its fruits.
22 He that findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and receiueth fauour of the Lord.
He who has found a good wife has found goodness, and he shall draw contentment from the Lord. He who expels a good wife expels goodness. But he who holds on to an adulteress is foolish and impious.
23 The poore speaketh with prayers: but the rich answereth roughly.
The poor will speak with supplications. And the rich will express themselves roughly.
24 A man that hath friends, ought to shew him selfe friendly: for a friend is neerer then a brother.
A man amiable to society shall be more friendly than a brother.
