Proverbs 18
1 He that separateth himself [from God] seeketh his own desires: at every sound wisdom is he enraged.
A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses; but at all times he will be liable to reproach.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but in laying open what is in his heart.
A senseless man feels no need of wisdom, for he is rather led by folly.
3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with dishonorable acts, disgrace.
When an ungodly man comes into a depth of evils, he despises [them]; but dishonor and reproach come upon him.
4 Like deep waters are the words of a [wise] man's mouth, and a bubbling brook is the well-spring of wisdom.
A word in the heart of a man is a deep water, and a river and fountain of life spring forth.
5 It is not good to favor the person of the wicked, to wrest [the cause of the] righteous in judgment.
[It is] not good to accept the person of the ungodly, nor [is it] holy to pervert justice in judgment.
6 The lips of the fool come with contention, and his mouth calleth for blows.
The lips of a fool bring [him] into troubles, and his bold mouth calls for death.
7 The mouth of the fool is a destruction to himself, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
A fool's mouth is ruin to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 The words of a whisperer are as wounds, and they go down indeed into the innermost parts of the body.
Fear casts down the slothful; and the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.
9 He also that showeth himself slothful in his work is a brother to the destroyer.
A man who helps not himself by his labor is brother of him that ruins himself.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower, whereunto the righteous runneth, and is placed in safety.
The name of the Lord is of great strength; and the righteous running to it are exalted.
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong town, and as a towering wall in his own conceit.
The wealth of a rich man is a strong city; and its glory casts a broad shadow.
12 Before downfall the heart of man becometh haughty, and before honor goeth humility.
Before ruin a man's heart is exalted, and before honor it is humble.
13 When one returneth an answer before he understandeth [the question], it is folly unto him and shame.
Whoso answers a word before he hears [a cause], it is folly and reproach to him.
14 The spirit of a man will readily bear his disease; but a depressed spirit who can bear:
A wise servant calms a man's anger; but who can endure a faint-hearted man?
15 The heart of the man of understanding will obtain knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
The heart of the sensible [man] purchases discretion; and the ears of the wise seek understanding.
16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and before great men will it lead him.
A man's gift enlarges him, and seats him among princes.
17 He that is first in his cause seemeth just; but when his neighbor cometh, then will it be investigated.
A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech, but when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved.
18 The lot causeth disputes to cease, and it decideth between the mighty.
A silent [man] quells strifes, and determines between great powers.
19 A brother offended is harder [to be won] than a strong town; and quarrels [among brothers] are like the bars of a castle.
A brother helped by a brother is as a strong and high city; and is [as] strong as a [well]-founded palace.
20 From the fruit of a man's mouth is his body satisfied; with the product of his lips doth he satisfy himself.
A man fills his belly with the fruits of his mouth; and he shall be satisfied with the fruits of his lips.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it will eat its fruit.
Life and death are in the power of the tongue; and they that rule it shall eat the fruits thereof.
22 Whoso hath found a wife hath found happiness, and hath obtained favor from the Lord.
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.]
23 The poor speaketh entreatingly; but the rich answereth roughly.
24 A man's many companions are hurtful to him; but there is many a friend that cleaveth closer than a brother.
