< Proverbs 18 >
1 He who separateth himself seeketh his own desire; Against all sound discretion he rusheth on.
2 The fool hath no delight in understanding, But rather in revealing his own mind.
3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt; And with baseness, shame.
4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, And the wellspring of wisdom is an overflowing brook.
5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked, So as to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
6 The lips of a fool enter into strife, And his mouth calleth for blows.
7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are a snare for his life.
8 The words of a talebearer are like sweet morsels; For they go down to the innermost parts of the body.
9 Moreover, he that is slothful in his work Is brother to him that is a great waster.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runneth to it, and is safe.
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 honor is humility.
13 He who answereth a matter before he hath heard it, It is folly and shame to him.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a wounded spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the intelligent will acquire knowledge, And the ear of the wise will seek knowledge.
16 A gift maketh room for a man, And bringeth him into the presence of the great.
17 He that first pleadeth his cause appeareth just; But his opponent cometh, and searcheth him through.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, And parteth asunder the mighty.
19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; Yea, their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
20 With the fruit of a man's mouth shall his stomach be filled; He shall be filled with the produce of his lips.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; They that love it shall eat its fruit.
22 He that findeth a wife findeth a blessing, And obtaineth favor from the LORD.
23 The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly.
24 A man of many friends will show himself false; Yet there is a friend who sticketh closer than a brother.
