Proverbs 18

1 For the desire thereof hee will separate himselfe to seeke it, and occupie himselfe in all wisdome.

He that separateth himself seeketh his own desire, and snarlest against all sound wisdom.

2 A foole hath no delite in vnderstanding: but that his heart may be discouered.

A fool hath no delight in understanding, but only that his heart may lay itself bare.

3 When the wicked commeth, then commeth contempt, and with the vile man reproch.

When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

4 The words of a mans mouth are like deepe waters, and the welspring of wisdome is like a flowing riuer.

The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters; a flowing brook, a fountain of wisdom.

5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to cause ye righteous to fall in iudgement.

It is not good to respect the person of the wicked, so as to turn aside the righteous in judgment.

6 A fooles lips come with strife, and his mouth calleth for stripes.

A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

7 A fooles mouth is his owne destruction, and his lips are a snare for his soule.

A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

8 The wordes of a tale bearer are as flatterings, and they goe downe into the bowels of the belly.

The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

9 He also that is slouthfull in his worke, is euen the brother of him that is a great waster.

Even one that is slack in his work is brother to him that is a destroyer.

10 The Name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth vnto it, and is exalted.

The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is set up on high.

11 The rich mans riches are his strong citie: and as an hie wall in his imagination.

The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own conceit.

12 Before destruction the heart of a man is hautie, and before glory goeth lowlines.

Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honour goeth humility.

13 He that answereth a matter before hee heare it, it is folly and shame vnto him.

He that giveth answer before he heareth, it is folly and confusion unto him.

14 The spirit of a man will susteine his infirmitie: but a wounded spirit who can beare it?

The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a broken spirit who can bear?

15 A wise heart getteth knowledge, and the eare of the wise seeketh learning.

The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

16 A mans gift enlargeth him, and leadeth him before great men.

A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

17 He that is first in his owne cause, is iust: then commeth his neighbour, and maketh inquirie of him.

He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him out.

18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and maketh a partition among the mightie.

The lot causeth strife to cease, and parteth asunder the contentious.

19 A brother offended is harder to winne then a strong citie, and their contentions are like the barre of a palace.

A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

20 With the fruite of a mans mouth shall his belly be satisfied, and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

A man's belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; with the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied.

21 Death and life are in the power of ye tongue, and they that loue it, shall eate the fruite thereof.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that indulge it shall eat the fruit thereof.

22 He that findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and receiueth fauour of the Lord.

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a great good, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

23 The poore speaketh with prayers: but the rich answereth roughly.

The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth impudently.

24 A man that hath friends, ought to shew him selfe friendly: for a friend is neerer then a brother.

There are friends that one hath to his own hurt; but there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.