Proverbs 18
1 For the desire thereof hee will separate himselfe to seeke it, and occupie himselfe in all wisdome.
He who separateth himself seeketh his own desire; Against all sound discretion he rusheth on.
2 A foole hath no delite in vnderstanding: but that his heart may be discouered.
The fool hath no delight in understanding, But rather in revealing his own mind.
3 When the wicked commeth, then commeth contempt, and with the vile man reproch.
When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt; And with baseness, shame.
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, And the wellspring of wisdom is an overflowing brook.
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 be partial to the wicked, So as to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
6 A fooles lips come with strife, and his mouth calleth for stripes.
The lips of a fool enter into strife, And his mouth calleth for blows.
7 A fooles mouth is his owne destruction, and his lips are a snare for his soule.
A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are a snare for his life.
8 The wordes of a tale bearer are as flatterings, and they goe downe into the bowels of the belly.
The words of a talebearer are like sweet morsels; For they go down to 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.
Moreover, he that is slothful in his work Is brother to him that is a great waster.
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 runneth to it, and is safe.
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 city, And as a high wall, in his own conceit.
12 Before destruction the heart of a man is hautie, and before glory goeth lowlines.
Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility.
13 He that answereth a matter before hee heare it, it is folly and shame vnto him.
He who answereth a matter before he hath heard it, It is folly and shame 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 will sustain his infirmity; But a wounded spirit who can bear?
15 A wise heart getteth knowledge, and the eare of the wise seeketh learning.
The heart of the intelligent will acquire knowledge, And the ear of the wise will seek knowledge.
16 A mans gift enlargeth him, and leadeth him before great men.
A gift maketh room for a man, And bringeth him into the presence of the great.
17 He that is first in his owne cause, is iust: then commeth his neighbour, and maketh inquirie of him.
He that first pleadeth his cause appeareth just; But his opponent cometh, and searcheth him through.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and maketh a partition among the mightie.
The lot causeth contentions to cease, And parteth asunder 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 city; Yea, their contentions 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.
With the fruit of a man's mouth shall his stomach be filled; He shall be filled with the produce of his lips.
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 its fruit.
22 He that findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and receiueth fauour of the Lord.
He that findeth a wife findeth a blessing, And obtaineth favor from the LORD.
23 The poore speaketh with prayers: but the rich answereth roughly.
The poor useth entreaties; 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 of many friends will show himself false; Yet there is a friend who sticketh closer than a brother.
