Proverbs 18
1 For the desire thereof hee will separate himselfe to seeke it, and occupie himselfe in all wisdome.
A man who isolates himself pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment.
2 A foole hath no delite in vnderstanding: but that his heart may be discouered.
A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion.
3 When the wicked commeth, then commeth contempt, and with the vile man reproch.
When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and with shame comes disgrace.
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 like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to cause ye righteous to fall in iudgement.
To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, nor to deprive the innocent of justice.
6 A fooles lips come with strife, and his mouth calleth for stripes.
A fool’s lips come into strife, and his mouth invites beatings.
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 to 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 gossip are like dainty morsels: they go down into a person’s innermost parts.
9 He also that is slouthfull in his worke, is euen the brother of him that is a great waster.
One who is slack in his work is brother to him who is a master of destruction.
10 The Name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth vnto it, and is exalted.
Yahweh’s name is a strong tower: the righteous run to him, and are 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, like an unscalable wall in his own imagination.
12 Before destruction the heart of a man is hautie, and before glory goeth lowlines.
Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility.
13 He that answereth a matter before hee heare it, it is folly and shame vnto him.
He who answers before he hears, that is folly and shame to him.
14 The spirit of a man will susteine his infirmitie: but a wounded spirit who can beare it?
A man’s spirit will sustain him in sickness, but a crushed spirit, who can bear?
15 A wise heart getteth knowledge, and the eare of the wise seeketh learning.
The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A mans gift enlargeth him, and leadeth him before great men.
A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.
17 He that is first in his owne cause, is iust: then commeth his neighbour, and maketh inquirie of him.
He who pleads his cause first seems right— until another comes and questions him.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and maketh a partition among the mightie.
The lot settles disputes, and keeps strong ones apart.
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 more difficult than a fortified city. Disputes are like the bars of a fortress.
20 With the fruite of a mans mouth shall his belly be satisfied, and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
A man’s stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth. 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 in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 He that findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and receiueth fauour of the Lord.
Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of Yahweh.
23 The poore speaketh with prayers: but the rich answereth roughly.
The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.
24 A man that hath friends, ought to shew him selfe friendly: for a friend is neerer then a brother.
A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
