Proverbs 18
1 Those who separate themselves [from other people] think [only] about those things that they are interested in; [if they would continually associate with] those who have good judgment/sense, they would constantly disagree/quarrel with them.
He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense.
2 Foolish people do not want to understand [anything]; they only want to (express their [own] opinions/say what they think) [IDM].
A foolish man has no pleasure in good sense, but only to let what is in his heart come to light.
3 Whenever people do wicked things, others will despise them; when people do things that cause themselves to no [longer] be honored, they will be disgraced [also].
When the evil-doer comes, a low opinion comes with him, and with the loss of honour comes shame.
4 What wise people say is [like] a deep ocean [that you can never get to the bottom of] [MET], and it [refreshes us like water from] a rapidly flowing stream.
The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters: the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.
5 It is not good [for a judge] to decide matters in favor of those who (are guilty/have done wicked things) and to not do what is just for those who (are innocent/have not done what is wrong).
To have respect for the person of the evil-doer is not good, or to give a wrong decision against the upright.
6 When foolish people [SYN] start arguments, [it is as though] they [SYN] are requesting/inviting someone to flog/whip them.
A foolish man's lips are a cause of fighting, and his mouth makes him open to blows.
7 What foolish people [MTY] say causes them to be ruined; their [own] words are [like] a trap [MET] [that catches/seizes] them.
The mouth of a foolish man is his destruction, and his lips are a net for his soul.
8 [People enjoy listening to] what gossips say like [SIM] [they enjoy] tasty food; they [accept what gossips tell them like] [MET] they swallow tasty food.
The words of one who says evil of his neighbour secretly are like sweet food, and go down into the inner parts of the stomach.
9 People who are lazy while they work are [just as bad] as [IDM] those who destroy things.
He who does not give his mind to his work is brother to him who makes destruction.
10 Yahweh [MTY] is [like] a strong tower [MET]; righteous people [can] go to him and be safe [like they can run to a tower to be safe].
The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the upright man running into it is safe.
11 Rich people [are protected because they have] a lot of money [PRS] like a city is protected because it has a high wall surrounding it [SIM].
The property of a man of wealth is his strong town, and it is as a high wall in the thoughts of his heart.
12 Proud people are on the road to being ruined, but being humble leads to being honored.
Before destruction the heart of man is full of pride, and before honour goes a gentle spirit.
13 Those who reply to someone before that person has finished speaking are foolish; doing that is disgraceful.
To give an answer before hearing is a foolish thing and a cause of shame.
14 A desire to [continue to] live can sustain someone when he is sick; if he loses that desire, he (cannot endure it/will become very discouraged) when he is sick [RHQ].
The spirit of a man will be his support when he is ill; but how may a broken spirit be lifted up?
15 Intelligent people [are always wanting to] learn more; wise people [SYN] are not content with what they already know.
The heart of the man of good sense gets knowledge; the ear of the wise is searching for knowledge.
16 If you take a gift to an important person, that will open the way to allow you to talk to him.
A man's offering makes room for him, letting him come before great men.
17 The first person to present his case in court seems right, but when (someone else/his opponent) begins to ask him questions, [it may become clear that what he said was not true].
The man who first puts his cause before the judge seems to be in the right; but then his neighbour comes and puts his cause in its true light.
18 If two influential/important people are arguing, [someone can] settle the matter by (casting lots/throwing marked stones to decide who is right).
The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong.
19 If you help relatives, they will [protect you] like [SIM] a strong wall [protects a city], but if you quarrel with them, [that will separate you from them] like bars on a city gate [separate the city from those who want to enter it] [MET].
A brother wounded is like a strong town, and violent acts are like a locked tower.
20 People are happy when they hear others say [MTY] something that is good, [like] they are happy when they eat food that is good [MET].
With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be full; the produce of his lips will be his in full measure.
21 What you say can cause others to be killed or it can cause them to [continue to] live; [so] those who like [to talk a lot] must (accept the consequences/realize that what they say can cause much harm).
Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those to whom it is dear will have its fruit for their food.
22 If you marry a [good] woman, that is [like] finding a wonderful thing; [it shows that] Yahweh is pleased with you.
Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord.
23 [It is necessary for] poor [people] to speak politely when they request [rich people to do something for them], but rich [people] reply very impolitely when poor people speak to them.
The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer.
24 There are [some] people who [only] pretend to be friends [with us], but there are [some] friends who are more loyal than members of our families.
There are friends who may be a man's destruction, but there is a lover who keeps nearer than a brother.
