Proverbiorum 18
1 occasiones quaerit qui vult recedere ab amico omni tempore erit exprobrabilis
He that separateth himself [from God] seeketh his own desires: at every sound wisdom is he enraged.
2 non recipit stultus verba prudentiae nisi ea dixeris quae versantur in corde eius
A fool hath no delight in understanding, but in laying open what is in his heart.
3 impius cum in profundum venerit peccatorum contemnit sed sequitur eum ignominia et obprobrium
When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with dishonorable acts, disgrace.
4 aqua profunda verba ex ore viri et torrens redundans fons sapientiae
Like deep waters are the words of a [wise] man's mouth, and a bubbling brook is the well-spring of wisdom.
5 accipere personam impii non est bonum ut declines a veritate iudicii
It is not good to favor the person of the wicked, to wrest [the cause of the] righteous in judgment.
6 labia stulti inmiscunt se rixis et os eius iurgia provocat
The lips of the fool come with contention, and his mouth calleth for blows.
7 os stulti contritio eius et labia illius ruina animae eius
The mouth of the fool is a destruction to himself, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 verba bilinguis quasi simplicia et ipsa perveniunt usque ad interiora ventris
The words of a whisperer are as wounds, and they go down indeed into the innermost parts of the body.
9 qui mollis et dissolutus est in opere suo frater est sua opera dissipantis
He also that showeth himself slothful in his work is a brother to the destroyer.
10 turris fortissima nomen Domini ad ipsum currit iustus et exaltabitur
The name of the Lord is a strong tower, whereunto the righteous runneth, and is placed in safety.
11 substantia divitis urbs roboris eius et quasi murus validus circumdans eum
The rich man's wealth is his strong town, and as a towering wall in his own conceit.
12 antequam conteratur exaltatur cor hominis et antequam glorificetur humiliatur
Before downfall the heart of man becometh haughty, and before honor goeth humility.
13 qui prius respondit quam audiat stultum se esse demonstrat et confusione dignum
When one returneth an answer before he understandeth [the question], it is folly unto him and shame.
14 spiritus viri sustentat inbecillitatem suam spiritum vero ad irascendum facilem quis poterit sustinere
The spirit of a man will readily bear his disease; but a depressed spirit who can bear:
15 cor prudens possidebit scientiam et auris sapientium quaerit doctrinam
The heart of the man of understanding will obtain knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
16 donum hominis dilatat viam eius et ante principes spatium ei facit
A man's gift maketh room for him, and before great men will it lead him.
17 iustus prior est accusator sui venit amicus eius et investigavit eum
He that is first in his cause seemeth just; but when his neighbor cometh, then will it be investigated.
18 contradictiones conprimit sors et inter potentes quoque diiudicat
The lot causeth disputes to cease, and it decideth between the mighty.
19 frater qui adiuvatur a fratre quasi civitas firma et iudicia quasi vectes urbium
A brother offended is harder [to be won] than a strong town; and quarrels [among brothers] are like the bars of a castle.
20 de fructu oris viri replebitur venter eius et genimina labiorum illius saturabunt eum
From the fruit of a man's mouth is his body satisfied; with the product of his lips doth he satisfy himself.
21 mors et vita in manu linguae qui diligunt eam comedent fructus eius
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it will eat its fruit.
22 qui invenit mulierem invenit bonum et hauriet iucunditatem a Domino
Whoso hath found a wife hath found happiness, and hath obtained favor from the Lord.
23 cum obsecrationibus loquetur pauper et dives effabitur rigide
The poor speaketh entreatingly; but the rich answereth roughly.
24 vir amicalis ad societatem magis amicus erit quam frater
A man's many companions are hurtful to him; but there is many a friend that cleaveth closer than a brother.
