Proverbios 18
1 Conforme al deseo busca el apartado: en toda doctrina se envolverá.
He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense.
2 No toma placer el insensato en la inteligencia: mas en lo que se descubre su corazón.
A foolish man has no pleasure in good sense, but only to let what is in his heart come to light.
3 Cuando viene el impío, viene también el menosprecio; y con el deshonrador, la vergüenza.
When the evil-doer comes, a low opinion comes with him, and with the loss of honour comes shame.
4 Aguas profundas son las palabras de la boca del hombre; y arroyo revertiente la fuente de la sabiduría.
The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters: the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.
5 Tener respeto a la persona del impío, para hacer caer al justo de su derecho, no es bueno.
To have respect for the person of the evil-doer is not good, or to give a wrong decision against the upright.
6 Los labios del insensato vienen con pleito; y su boca a cuestiones llama.
A foolish man's lips are a cause of fighting, and his mouth makes him open to blows.
7 La boca del insensato es quebrantamiento para sí; y sus labios son lazos para su alma.
The mouth of a foolish man is his destruction, and his lips are a net for his soul.
8 Las palabras del chismoso parecen blandas: mas ellas descienden hasta lo íntimo del vientre.
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 También el que es negligente en su obra, es hermano del dueño disipador.
He who does not give his mind to his work is brother to him who makes destruction.
10 Torre fuerte es el nombre de Jehová: a él correrá el justo, y será levantado.
The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the upright man running into it is safe.
11 Las riquezas del rico son la ciudad de su fortaleza; y como un muro alto, en su imaginación.
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 Antes del quebrantamiento se eleva el corazón del hombre; y antes de la honra, el abatimiento.
Before destruction the heart of man is full of pride, and before honour goes a gentle spirit.
13 El que responde palabra antes de oír, insensatez le es, y vergüenza.
To give an answer before hearing is a foolish thing and a cause of shame.
14 El ánimo del hombre suportará su enfermedad: mas al ánimo angustiado, ¿quién le suportará?
The spirit of a man will be his support when he is ill; but how may a broken spirit be lifted up?
15 El corazón del entendido adquiere sabiduría; y el oído de los sabios busca la ciencia.
The heart of the man of good sense gets knowledge; the ear of the wise is searching for knowledge.
16 El presente del hombre le ensancha el camino; y le lleva delante de los grandes.
A man's offering makes room for him, letting him come before great men.
17 El justo es primero en su pleito; y su adversario viene, y búscale.
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 La suerte pone fin a los pleitos; y desparte los fuertes.
The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong.
19 El hermano ofendido es más contumaz que una ciudad fuerte; y las contiendas de los hermanos son como cerrojos de alcázar.
A brother wounded is like a strong town, and violent acts are like a locked tower.
20 Del fruto de la boca del hombre se hartará su vientre: de la renta de sus labios se hartará.
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 muerte y la vida están en poder de la lengua; y el que la ama, comerá de sus frutos.
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 El que halló mujer, halló el bien; y alcanzó la benevolencia de Jehová.
Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord.
23 El pobre habla ruegos; mas el rico responde durezas.
The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer.
24 El hombre de amigos mantiénese en amistad; y a veces hay amigo más conjunto que el hermano.
There are friends who may be a man's destruction, but there is a lover who keeps nearer than a brother.
