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 that separateth himself seeketh his own desire, and snarlest against all sound wisdom.
2 Foolish people do not want to understand [anything]; they only want to (express their [own] opinions/say what they think) [IDM].
A fool hath no delight in understanding, but only that his heart may lay itself bare.
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 wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
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 as deep waters; a flowing brook, a fountain of wisdom.
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 respect the person of the wicked, so as to turn aside the righteous in judgment.
6 When foolish people [SYN] start arguments, [it is as though] they [SYN] are requesting/inviting someone to flog/whip them.
A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
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 his ruin, and his lips are the snare of 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 a whisperer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
9 People who are lazy while they work are [just as bad] as [IDM] those who destroy things.
Even one that is slack in his work is brother to him that is a destroyer.
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 righteous runneth into it, and is set up on high.
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 rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own conceit.
12 Proud people are on the road to being ruined, but being humble leads to being honored.
Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honour goeth humility.
13 Those who reply to someone before that person has finished speaking are foolish; doing that is disgraceful.
He that giveth answer before he heareth, it is folly and confusion unto 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].
The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a broken spirit who can bear?
15 Intelligent people [are always wanting to] learn more; wise people [SYN] are not content with what they already know.
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh 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 gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him 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].
He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him out.
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 lot causeth strife to cease, and parteth asunder the contentious.
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 offended is harder to be won than a strong city; and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
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's belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; with the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied.
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 they that indulge it shall eat the fruit thereof.
22 If you marry a [good] woman, that is [like] finding a wonderful thing; [it shows that] Yahweh is pleased with you.
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a great good, and obtaineth favour 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 useth entreaties; but the rich answereth impudently.
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 that one hath to his own hurt; but there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
