Proverbs 18
1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
He that separateth himself [from God] seeketh his own desires: at every sound wisdom is he enraged.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
A fool hath no delight in understanding, but in laying open what is in his heart.
3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with dishonorable acts, disgrace.
4 The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
Like deep waters are the words of a [wise] man's mouth, and a bubbling brook is the well-spring of wisdom.
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
It is not good to favor the person of the wicked, to wrest [the cause of the] righteous in judgment.
6 A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
The lips of the fool come with contention, and his mouth calleth for blows.
7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
The mouth of the fool is a destruction to himself, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
The words of a whisperer are as wounds, and they go down indeed into the innermost parts of the body.
9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
He also that showeth himself slothful in his work is a brother to the destroyer.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
The name of the Lord is a strong tower, whereunto the righteous runneth, and is placed in safety.
11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
The rich man's wealth is his strong town, and as a towering wall in his own conceit.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
Before downfall the heart of man becometh haughty, and before honor goeth humility.
13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame to him.
When one returneth an answer before he understandeth [the question], it is folly unto him and shame.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
The spirit of a man will readily bear his disease; but a depressed spirit who can bear:
15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
The heart of the man of understanding will obtain knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
16 A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
A man's gift maketh room for him, and before great men will it lead him.
17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
He that is first in his cause seemeth just; but when his neighbor cometh, then will it be investigated.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
The lot causeth disputes to cease, and it decideth between the mighty.
19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
A brother offended is harder [to be won] than a strong town; and quarrels [among brothers] are like the bars of a castle.
20 A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
From the fruit of a man's mouth is his body satisfied; with the product of his lips doth he satisfy himself.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit of it.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it will eat its fruit.
22 Whoever findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour from the LORD.
Whoso hath found a wife hath found happiness, and hath obtained favor from the Lord.
23 The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
The poor speaketh entreatingly; but the rich answereth roughly.
24 A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
A man's many companions are hurtful to him; but there is many a friend that cleaveth closer than a brother.
