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.
A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses; but at all times he will be liable to reproach.
2 Foolish people do not want to understand [anything]; they only want to (express their [own] opinions/say what they think) [IDM].
A senseless man feels no need of wisdom, for he is rather led by folly.
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 an ungodly man comes into a depth of evils, he despises [them]; but dishonour and reproach come upon him.
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.
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 [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).
[It is] not good to accept the person of the ungodly, nor [is it] holy to pervert justice in judgement.
6 When foolish people [SYN] start arguments, [it is as though] they [SYN] are requesting/inviting someone to flog/whip them.
The lips of a fool bring [him] into troubles, and his bold mouth calls for death.
7 What foolish people [MTY] say causes them to be ruined; their [own] words are [like] a trap [MET] [that catches/seizes] them.
A fool's mouth is ruin to him, and his lips are a snare to 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.
Fear casts down the slothful; and the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.
9 People who are lazy while they work are [just as bad] as [IDM] those who destroy things.
A man who helps not himself by his labour is brother of him that ruins himself.
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 of great strength; and the righteous running to it are exalted.
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 wealth of a rich man is a strong city; and its glory casts a broad shadow.
12 Proud people are on the road to being ruined, but being humble leads to being honored.
Before ruin a man's heart is exalted, and before honour it is humble.
13 Those who reply to someone before that person has finished speaking are foolish; doing that is disgraceful.
Whoso answers a word before he hears [a cause], it is folly and reproach to him.
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].
A wise servant calms a man's anger; but who can endure a faint-hearted man?
15 Intelligent people [are always wanting to] learn more; wise people [SYN] are not content with what they already know.
The heart of the sensible [man] purchases discretion; and the ears of the wise seek understanding.
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 gift enlarges him, and seats him amongst princes.
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].
A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech, but when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved.
18 If two influential/important people are arguing, [someone can] settle the matter by (casting lots/throwing marked stones to decide who is right).
A silent [man] quells strifes, and determines between great powers.
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 helped by a brother is as a strong and high city; and is [as] strong as a [well]-founded palace.
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].
A man fills his belly with the fruits of his mouth; and he shall be satisfied with the fruits of his lips.
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).
Life and death are in the power of the tongue; and they that rule it shall eat the fruits thereof.
22 If you marry a [good] woman, that is [like] finding a wonderful thing; [it shows that] Yahweh is pleased with you.
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 [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.
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.
