Proverbs 18
1 A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses; but at all times he will be liable to reproach.
He that separateth himself seeketh [his own] desire, and rageth against all sound wisdom.
2 A senseless man feels no need of wisdom, for he is rather led by folly.
A fool hath no delight in understanding, but only that his heart may reveal itself.
3 When an ungodly man comes into a depth of evils, he despises [them]; but dishonor and reproach come upon him.
When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, and with ignominy cometh reproach.
4 A word in the heart of a man is a deep water, and a river and fountain of life spring forth.
The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters; the wellspring of wisdom is as a flowing brook.
5 [It is] not good to accept the person of the ungodly, nor [is it] holy to pervert justice in judgment.
To accept the person of the wicked is not good, [nor] to turn aside the righteous in judgment.
6 The lips of a fool bring [him] into troubles, and his bold mouth calls for death.
A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for stripes.
7 A fool's mouth is ruin to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 Fear casts down the slothful; and the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.
The words of a whisperer are as dainty, morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
9 A man who helps not himself by his labor is brother of him that ruins himself.
He also that is slack in his work is brother to him that is a destroyer.
10 The name of the Lord is of great strength; and the righteous running to it are exalted.
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
11 The wealth of a rich man is a strong city; and its glory casts a broad shadow.
The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own imagination.
12 Before ruin a man's heart is exalted, and before honor it is humble.
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour [goeth] humility.
13 Whoso answers a word before he hears [a cause], it is folly and reproach to him.
He that giveth answer before he heareth, it is folly and shame unto him.
14 A wise servant calms a man's anger; but who can endure a faint-hearted man?
The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a broken spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the sensible [man] purchases discretion; and the ears of the wise seek understanding.
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
16 A man's gift enlarges him, and seats him among princes.
A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
17 A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech, but when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved.
He that pleadeth his cause first [seemeth] just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him out.
18 A silent [man] quells strifes, and determines between great powers.
The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
19 A brother helped by a brother is as a strong and high city; and is [as] strong as a [well]-founded palace.
A brother offended [is harder to be won] than a strong city: and [such] contentions are like the bars of a castle.
20 A man fills his belly with the fruits of his mouth; and he shall be satisfied with the fruits of his lips.
A man’s belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; with the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied.
21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue; and they that rule it shall eat the fruits thereof.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
22 He that has found a good wife has found favours, and has received gladness from God. [He that puts away a good wife, puts away a good thing, and he that keeps an adulteress is foolish and ungodly.]
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
The poor useth entreaties: but the rich answereth roughly.
He that maketh many friends [doeth it] to his own destruction: but there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
