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।
A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses; but at all times he will be liable to reproach.
A senseless man feels no need of wisdom, for he is rather led by folly.
When an ungodly man comes into a depth of evils, he despises [them]; but dishonor and reproach come upon him.
A word in the heart of a man is a deep water, and a river and fountain of life spring forth.
[It is] not good to accept the person of the ungodly, nor [is it] holy to pervert justice in judgment.
The lips of a fool bring [him] into troubles, and his bold mouth calls for death.
A fool's mouth is ruin to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
Fear casts down the slothful; and the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.
A man who helps not himself by his labor is brother of him that ruins himself.
The name of the Lord is of great strength; and the righteous running to it are exalted.
The wealth of a rich man is a strong city; and its glory casts a broad shadow.
Before ruin a man's heart is exalted, and before honor it is humble.
Whoso answers a word before he hears [a cause], it is folly and reproach to him.
A wise servant calms a man's anger; but who can endure a faint-hearted man?
The heart of the sensible [man] purchases discretion; and the ears of the wise seek understanding.
A man's gift enlarges him, and seats him among princes.
17 १७ मुकद्दमे में जो पहले बोलता, वही सच्चा जान पड़ता है, परन्तु बाद में दूसरे पक्षवाला आकर उसे जाँच लेता है।
A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech, but when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved.
A silent [man] quells strifes, and determines between great powers.
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 helped by a brother is as a strong and high city; and is [as] strong as a [well]-founded palace.
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 fills his belly with the fruits of his mouth; and he shall be satisfied with the fruits of his lips.
21 २१ जीभ के वश में मृत्यु और जीवन दोनों होते हैं, और जो उसे काम में लाना जानता है वह उसका फल भोगेगा।
Life and death are in the power of the tongue; and they that rule it shall eat the fruits thereof.
He that has found a good wife has found favours, and has received gladness from God. [He that puts away a good wife, puts away a good thing, and he that keeps an adulteress is foolish and ungodly.]
24 २४ मित्रों के बढ़ाने से तो नाश होता है, परन्तु ऐसा मित्र होता है, जो भाई से भी अधिक मिला रहता है।
