Proverbs 18
1 One who isolates himself seeks his own desire and he quarrels with all sound judgment.
A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses; but at all times he will be liable to reproach.
2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding, but only in revealing what is in his own heart.
A senseless man feels no need of wisdom, for he is rather led by folly.
3 When a wicked person comes, contempt comes with him— along with shame and reproach.
When an ungodly man comes into a depth of evils, he despises [them]; but dishonor and reproach come upon him.
4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a 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 to be partial to the wicked person, nor to deny justice to the righteous person.
[It is] not good to accept the person of the ungodly, nor [is it] holy to pervert justice in judgment.
6 A fool's lips bring him conflict and his mouth invites a beating.
The lips of a fool bring [him] into troubles, and his bold mouth calls for death.
7 A fool's mouth is his ruin and he ensnares himself with his lips.
A fool's mouth is ruin to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 The words of a gossip are like delicious morsels and they go down into the inner parts of the body.
Fear casts down the slothful; and the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.
9 Also, one who is slack in his work is a brother to the one who destroys the most.
A man who helps not himself by his labor is brother of him that ruins himself.
10 The name of Yahweh is a strong tower; the righteous person runs into it and is safe.
The name of the Lord is of great strength; and the righteous running to it are exalted.
11 The wealth of the rich is his fortified city and in his imagination it is like a high wall.
The wealth of a rich man is a strong city; and its glory casts a broad shadow.
12 Before his downfall a person's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
Before ruin a man's heart is exalted, and before honor it is humble.
13 One who answers before listening— it is his folly and shame.
Whoso answers a word before he hears [a cause], it is folly and reproach to him.
14 A person's spirit will survive sickness, but a broken spirit who can bear it?
A wise servant calms a man's anger; but who can endure a faint-hearted man?
15 The heart of the intelligent acquires knowledge and the hearing of the wise seeks it out.
The heart of the sensible [man] purchases discretion; and the ears of the wise seek understanding.
16 A man's gift may open the way and bring him before an important person.
A man's gift enlarges him, and seats him among princes.
17 The first to plead his case seems right until his opponent comes and questions him.
A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech, but when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved.
18 Casting the lot settles disputes and separates strong opponents.
A silent [man] quells strifes, and determines between great powers.
19 An offended brother is harder to be won than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
A brother helped by a brother is as a strong and high city; and is [as] strong as a [well]-founded palace.
20 From the fruit of his mouth one's stomach is filled; with the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.
A man fills his belly with the fruits of his mouth; and he shall be satisfied with the fruits of his lips.
21 Death and life are controlled by the tongue, and those who love the tongue will eat its fruit.
Life and death are in the power of the tongue; and they that rule it shall eat the fruits thereof.
22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and receives favor from Yahweh.
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 A poor person pleads for mercy, but a rich person answers harshly.
24 The one who claims many friends is brought to ruin by them, but there is a friend who comes closer than a brother.
