Proverbes 18
1 Celui qui s'isole, suit sa fantaisie, il s'irrite contre tout ce qui est raisonnable.
He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense.
2 Ce n'est pas la raison qu'aime l'insensé, mais il aime à montrer son sentiment.
A foolish man has no pleasure in good sense, but only to let what is in his heart come to light.
3 Quand vient l'impiété vient aussi le mépris, et avec l'infamie, l'opprobre.
When the evil-doer comes, a low opinion comes with him, and with the loss of honour comes shame.
4 Les paroles qui sortent de la bouche de l'homme, sont des eaux profondes; la source de la sagesse est une rivière abondante.
The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters: the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.
5 Il est mal de prendre parti pour l'impie, afin de débouter le juste dans le jugement.
To have respect for the person of the evil-doer is not good, or to give a wrong decision against the upright.
6 Les lèvres de l'insensé apportent les querelles, et sa bouche excite aux coups.
A foolish man's lips are a cause of fighting, and his mouth makes him open to blows.
7 La bouche de l'impie est pour lui une cause de ruine, et ses lèvres, un piège à sa vie.
The mouth of a foolish man is his destruction, and his lips are a net for his soul.
8 Les propos du rapporteur sont comme des friandises; ils se glissent jusqu'au fond des entrailles.
The words of one who says evil of his neighbour secretly are like sweet food, and go down into the inner parts of the stomach.
9 Celui-là aussi qui travaille lâchement, est frère du dissipateur.
He who does not give his mind to his work is brother to him who makes destruction.
10 Le nom de l'Éternel est une forte tour, le juste y accourt, et se trouve en lieu sûr.
The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the upright man running into it is safe.
11 L'opulence du riche est sa forteresse, et comme une haute muraille, dans son opinion.
The property of a man of wealth is his strong town, and it is as a high wall in the thoughts of his heart.
12 Avant la chute le cœur de l'homme s'élève; et l'humilité précède la gloire.
Before destruction the heart of man is full of pride, and before honour goes a gentle spirit.
13 Qui répond avant d'écouter, manque de sens, et sera confus.
To give an answer before hearing is a foolish thing and a cause of shame.
14 L'âme de l'homme supporte ses souffrances; mais une âme abattue, qui la relèvera?
The spirit of a man will be his support when he is ill; but how may a broken spirit be lifted up?
15 Le cœur de l'homme de sens acquiert la science, et l'oreille des sages est à la recherche de la science.
The heart of the man of good sense gets knowledge; the ear of the wise is searching for knowledge.
16 Par des présents l'homme se fait jour; et ils l'introduisent chez les grands.
A man's offering makes room for him, letting him come before great men.
17 Il [paraît] juste celui qui dans sa cause parle le premier; mais que vienne sa partie, et alors examine-le.
The man who first puts his cause before the judge seems to be in the right; but then his neighbour comes and puts his cause in its true light.
18 Le sort met fin aux contestations; et entre les puissants il décide.
The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong.
19 Un frère est plus rebelle qu'une ville forte; et les querelles [des frères] sont comme les verrous d'un palais.
A brother wounded is like a strong town, and violent acts are like a locked tower.
20 Des fruits de sa bouche chacun est nourri, il est nourri de ce que ses lèvres lui rapportent.
With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be full; the produce of his lips will be his in full measure.
21 La mort et la vie dépendent de la langue; celui qui en aime l'usage, en goûtera les fruits.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those to whom it is dear will have its fruit for their food.
22 Trouver une femme c'est trouver le bonheur, et obtenir une faveur de l'Éternel.
Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord.
23 Le pauvre parle en suppliant; mais le riche répond durement.
The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer.
24 Tel a beaucoup de relations à son détriment; mais, ayez un ami, il s'attache plus qu'un frère.
There are friends who may be a man's destruction, but there is a lover who keeps nearer than a brother.
