Proverbs 18
1 For the desire thereof hee will separate himselfe to seeke it, and occupie himselfe in all wisdome.
One who isolates himself seeks his own desire and he quarrels with all sound judgment.
2 A foole hath no delite in vnderstanding: but that his heart may be discouered.
A fool finds no pleasure in understanding, but only in revealing what is in his own heart.
3 When the wicked commeth, then commeth contempt, and with the vile man reproch.
When a wicked person comes, contempt comes with him— along with shame and reproach.
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; the fountain of wisdom is a flowing 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 be partial to the wicked person, nor to deny justice to the righteous person.
6 A fooles lips come with strife, and his mouth calleth for stripes.
A fool's lips bring him conflict and his mouth invites a beating.
7 A fooles mouth is his owne destruction, and his lips are a snare for his soule.
A fool's mouth is his ruin and he ensnares himself with his lips.
8 The wordes of a tale bearer are as flatterings, and they goe downe into the bowels of the belly.
The words of a gossip are like delicious morsels and they go down into the inner parts of the body.
9 He also that is slouthfull in his worke, is euen the brother of him that is a great waster.
Also, one who is slack in his work is a brother to the one who destroys the most.
10 The Name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth vnto it, and is exalted.
The name of Yahweh is a strong tower; the righteous person runs into it and is safe.
11 The rich mans riches are his strong citie: and as an hie wall in his imagination.
The wealth of the rich is his fortified city and in his imagination it is like a high wall.
12 Before destruction the heart of a man is hautie, and before glory goeth lowlines.
Before his downfall a person's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
13 He that answereth a matter before hee heare it, it is folly and shame vnto him.
One who answers before listening— it is his folly and shame.
14 The spirit of a man will susteine his infirmitie: but a wounded spirit who can beare it?
A person's spirit will survive sickness, but a broken spirit who can bear it?
15 A wise heart getteth knowledge, and the eare of the wise seeketh learning.
The heart of the intelligent acquires knowledge and the hearing of the wise seeks it out.
16 A mans gift enlargeth him, and leadeth him before great men.
A man's gift may open the way and bring him before an important person.
17 He that is first in his owne cause, is iust: then commeth his neighbour, and maketh inquirie of him.
The first to plead his case seems right until his opponent comes and questions him.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and maketh a partition among the mightie.
Casting the lot settles disputes and separates strong opponents.
19 A brother offended is harder to winne then a strong citie, and their contentions are like the barre of a palace.
An offended brother is harder to be won than a strong city, and quarreling is 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 his mouth one's stomach is filled; with the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.
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 controlled by the tongue, and those who love the tongue will eat its fruit.
22 He that findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and receiueth fauour of the Lord.
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and receives favor from Yahweh.
23 The poore speaketh with prayers: but the rich answereth roughly.
A poor person pleads for mercy, but a rich person answers harshly.
24 A man that hath friends, ought to shew him selfe friendly: for a friend is neerer then a brother.
The one who claims many friends is brought to ruin by them, but there is a friend who comes closer than a brother.
