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 separateth himself seeketh his own desire; Against all sound discretion he rusheth on.
2 Foolish people do not want to understand [anything]; they only want to (express their [own] opinions/say what they think) [IDM].
The fool hath no delight in understanding, But rather in revealing his own mind.
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, then cometh also contempt; And with baseness, 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 deep waters, And the wellspring of wisdom is an overflowing brook.
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 be partial to the wicked, So as to overthrow 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.
The lips of a fool enter into strife, And his mouth calleth for blows.
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 destruction, And his lips are a snare for his life.
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 talebearer are like sweet morsels; For they go down to the innermost parts of the body.
9 People who are lazy while they work are [just as bad] as [IDM] those who destroy things.
Moreover, he that is slothful in his work Is brother to him that is a great waster.
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 to it, and 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 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 honor is humility.
13 Those who reply to someone before that person has finished speaking are foolish; doing that is disgraceful.
He who answereth a matter before he hath heard it, It is folly and shame 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].
The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a wounded 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 intelligent will acquire knowledge, And the ear of the wise will seek knowledge.
16 If you take a gift to an important person, that will open the way to allow you to talk to him.
A gift maketh room for a man, And bringeth him into the presence of the great.
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 first pleadeth his cause appeareth just; But his opponent cometh, and searcheth him through.
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 contentions to cease, And parteth asunder the mighty.
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; Yea, 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].
With the fruit of a man's mouth shall his stomach be filled; He shall be filled with the produce 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).
Death and life are in the power of the tongue; They that love it shall eat its fruit.
22 If you marry a [good] woman, that is [like] finding a wonderful thing; [it shows that] Yahweh is pleased with you.
He that findeth a wife findeth a blessing, And obtaineth favor from 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 roughly.
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.
A man of many friends will show himself false; Yet there is a friend who sticketh closer than a brother.
