Proverbs 18
1 For the desire thereof hee will separate himselfe to seeke it, and occupie himselfe in all wisdome.
He that separateth himself [from God] seeketh his own desires: at every sound wisdom is he enraged.
2 A foole hath no delite in vnderstanding: but that his heart may be discouered.
A fool hath no delight in understanding, but in laying open what is in his heart.
3 When the wicked commeth, then commeth contempt, and with the vile man reproch.
When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with dishonorable acts, disgrace.
4 The words of a mans mouth are like deepe waters, and the welspring of wisdome is like a flowing riuer.
Like deep waters are the words of a [wise] man's mouth, and a bubbling brook is the well-spring of wisdom.
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 favor the person of the wicked, to wrest [the cause of the] righteous in judgment.
6 A fooles lips come with strife, and his mouth calleth for stripes.
The lips of the fool come with contention, and his mouth calleth for blows.
7 A fooles mouth is his owne destruction, and his lips are a snare for his soule.
The mouth of the fool is a destruction to himself, 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 wounds, and they go down indeed into the innermost parts of the body.
9 He also that is slouthfull in his worke, is euen the brother of him that is a great waster.
He also that showeth himself slothful in his work is a brother to the destroyer.
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, whereunto the righteous runneth, and is placed in safety.
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 town, and as a towering wall in his own conceit.
12 Before destruction the heart of a man is hautie, and before glory goeth lowlines.
Before downfall the heart of man becometh haughty, and before honor goeth humility.
13 He that answereth a matter before hee heare it, it is folly and shame vnto him.
When one returneth an answer before he understandeth [the question], it is folly unto him and shame.
14 The spirit of a man will susteine his infirmitie: but a wounded spirit who can beare it?
The spirit of a man will readily bear his disease; but a depressed spirit who can bear:
15 A wise heart getteth knowledge, and the eare of the wise seeketh learning.
The heart of the man of understanding will obtain knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
16 A mans gift enlargeth him, and leadeth him before great men.
A man's gift maketh room for him, and before great men will it lead him.
17 He that is first in his owne cause, is iust: then commeth his neighbour, and maketh inquirie of him.
He that is first in his cause seemeth just; but when his neighbor cometh, then will it be investigated.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and maketh a partition among the mightie.
The lot causeth disputes to cease, and it decideth 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 town; and quarrels [among brothers] 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 a man's mouth is his body satisfied; with the product of his lips doth he satisfy himself.
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 they that love it will eat its fruit.
22 He that findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and receiueth fauour of the Lord.
Whoso hath found a wife hath found happiness, and hath obtained favor from the Lord.
23 The poore speaketh with prayers: but the rich answereth roughly.
The poor speaketh entreatingly; 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.
A man's many companions are hurtful to him; but there is many a friend that cleaveth closer than a brother.
