Proverbs 18

1 He that separateth himself seeketh his own desire, and snarlest against all sound wisdom.

2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but only that his heart may lay itself bare.

3 When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters; a flowing brook, a fountain of wisdom.

5 It is not good to respect the person of the wicked, so as to turn aside the righteous in judgment.

6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

7 A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

8 The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

9 Even one that is slack in his work is brother to him that is a destroyer.

10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is set up on high.

11 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 haughty, and before honour goeth humility.

13 He that giveth answer before he heareth, it is folly and confusion unto him.

14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a broken spirit who can bear?

15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

17 He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him out.

18 The lot causeth strife to cease, and parteth asunder the contentious.

19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

20 A man's belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; with the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that indulge it shall eat the fruit thereof.

22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a great good, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

23 The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth impudently.

24 There are friends that one hath to his own hurt; but there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.