नीतिवचन 18
1 १ जो दूसरों से अलग हो जाता है, वह अपनी ही इच्छा पूरी करने के लिये ऐसा करता है, और सब प्रकार की खरी बुद्धि से बैर करता है।
He that separateth himself seeketh [his own] desire, And rageth against all sound wisdom.
A fool hath no delight in understanding, But only that his heart may reveal itself.
When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, And with ignominy [cometh] reproach.
The words of a man’s mouth are [as] deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is [as] a flowing brook.
To respect the person of the wicked is not good, [Nor] to turn aside the righteous in judgment.
A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calleth for stripes.
A fool’s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.
The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.
He also that is slack in his work Is brother to him that is a destroyer.
The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; The righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And as a high wall in his own imagination.
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor [goeth] humility.
He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him.
The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear?
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
A man’s gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men.
17 १७ मुकद्दमे में जो पहले बोलता, वही सच्चा जान पड़ता है, परन्तु बाद में दूसरे पक्षवाला आकर उसे जाँच लेता है।
He that pleadeth his cause first [seemeth] just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out.
The lot causeth contentions to cease, And parteth between the mighty.
19 १९ चिढ़े हुए भाई को मनाना दृढ़ नगर के ले लेने से कठिन होता है, और झगड़े राजभवन के बेंड़ों के समान हैं।
A brother offended [is harder to be won] than a strong city; And [such] contentions are like the bars of a castle.
20 २० मनुष्य का पेट मुँह की बातों के फल से भरता है; और बोलने से जो कुछ प्राप्त होता है उससे वह तृप्त होता है।
A man’s belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied.
21 २१ जीभ के वश में मृत्यु और जीवन दोनों होते हैं, और जो उसे काम में लाना जानता है वह उसका फल भोगेगा।
Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favor of Jehovah.
The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly.
24 २४ मित्रों के बढ़ाने से तो नाश होता है, परन्तु ऐसा मित्र होता है, जो भाई से भी अधिक मिला रहता है।
He that maketh many friends [doeth it] to his own destruction; But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
