Proverbs 18
1 For the desire thereof hee will separate himselfe to seeke it, and occupie himselfe in all wisdome.
He that hath a mind to depart from a friend seeketh occasions: he shall ever be subject to reproach.
2 A foole hath no delite in vnderstanding: but that his heart may be discouered.
A fool receiveth not the words of prudence: unless thou say those things which are in his heart.
3 When the wicked commeth, then commeth contempt, and with the vile man reproch.
The wicked man when he is come into the depth of sins, contemneth: but ignominy and reproach 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 men are as deep water: and the fountain of wisdom as an overflowing stream.
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 wicked, to decline from the truth of judgment.
6 A fooles lips come with strife, and his mouth calleth for stripes.
The lips of a fool intermeddle with strife: and his mouth provoketh quarrels.
7 A fooles mouth is his owne destruction, and his lips are a snare for his soule.
The mouth of a fool is his destruction: and his 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 are as if they were harmless: and they reach even to the inner parts of the bowels. Fear casteth down the slothful: and the souls of the effeminate shall be hungry.
9 He also that is slouthfull in his worke, is euen the brother of him that is a great waster.
He that is loose and slack in his work, is the brother of him that wasteth 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 strong tower: the just runneth to it, and shall be exalted.
11 The rich mans riches are his strong citie: and as an hie wall in his imagination.
The substance of the rich man is the city of his strength, and as a strong wall compassing him about.
12 Before destruction the heart of a man is hautie, and before glory goeth lowlines.
Before destruction, the heart of a man is exalted: and before he be glorified, it is humbled.
13 He that answereth a matter before hee heare it, it is folly and shame vnto him.
He that answereth before he heareth sheweth himself to be a fool, and worthy 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 upholdeth his infirmity: but a spirit that is easily angered, who can bear?
15 A wise heart getteth knowledge, and the eare of the wise seeketh learning.
A wise heart shall acquire knowledge: and the ear of the wise seeketh instruction.
16 A mans gift enlargeth him, and leadeth him before great men.
A man’s gift enlargeth his may, and maketh him room before princes.
17 He that is first in his owne cause, is iust: then commeth his neighbour, and maketh inquirie of him.
The just is first accuser of himself: his friend cometh, and shall search him.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and maketh a partition among the mightie.
The lot suppresseth contentions, and determineth even 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 that is helped by his brother, is like a strong 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.
Of the fruit of a man’s mouth shall his belly be satisfied: and the offspring of his lips shall fill 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: they that love it, shall eat the fruits thereof.
22 He that findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and receiueth fauour of the Lord.
He that hath found a good wife, hath found a good thing, and shall receive a pleasure from the Lord. He that driveth away a good wife, driveth away a good thing: but he that keepeth an adulteress, is foolish and wicked.
23 The poore speaketh with prayers: but the rich answereth roughly.
The poor will speak with supplications, and the rich will speak roughly.
24 A man that hath friends, ought to shew him selfe friendly: for a friend is neerer then a brother.
A man amiable in society, shall be more friendly than a brother.
