Proverbiorum 18
1 [Occasiones quærit qui vult recedere ab amico: omni tempore erit exprobrabilis.
For the desire thereof hee will separate himselfe to seeke it, and occupie himselfe in all wisdome.
2 Non recipit stultus verba prudentiæ, nisi ea dixeris quæ versantur in corde ejus.
A foole hath no delite in vnderstanding: but that his heart may be discouered.
3 Impius, cum in profundum venerit peccatorum, contemnit; sed sequitur eum ignominia et opprobrium.
When the wicked commeth, then commeth contempt, and with the vile man reproch.
4 Aqua profunda verba ex ore viri, et torrens redundans fons sapientiæ.
The words of a mans mouth are like deepe waters, and the welspring of wisdome is like a flowing riuer.
5 Accipere personam impii non est bonum, ut declines a veritate judicii.]
It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to cause ye righteous to fall in iudgement.
6 [Labia stulti miscent se rixis, et os ejus jurgia provocat.
A fooles lips come with strife, and his mouth calleth for stripes.
7 Os stulti contritio ejus, et labia ipsius ruina animæ ejus.
A fooles mouth is his owne destruction, and his lips are a snare for his soule.
8 Verba bilinguis quasi simplicia, et ipsa perveniunt usque ad interiora ventris. Pigrum dejicit timor; animæ autem effeminatorum esurient.
The wordes of a tale bearer are as flatterings, and they goe downe into the bowels of the belly.
9 Qui mollis et dissolutus est in opere suo frater est sua opera dissipantis.
He also that is slouthfull in his worke, is euen the brother of him that is a great waster.
10 Turris fortissima nomen Domini; ad ipsum currit justus, et exaltabitur.
The Name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth vnto it, and is exalted.
11 Substantia divitis urbs roboris ejus, et quasi murus validus circumdans eum.
The rich mans riches are his strong citie: and as an hie wall in his imagination.
12 Antequam conteratur, exaltatur cor hominis, et antequam glorificetur, humiliatur.
Before destruction the heart of a man is hautie, and before glory goeth lowlines.
13 Qui prius respondet quam audiat, stultum se esse demonstrat, et confusione dignum.
He that answereth a matter before hee heare it, it is folly and shame vnto him.
14 Spiritus viri sustentat imbecillitatem suam; spiritum vero ad irascendum facilem quis poterit sustinere?
The spirit of a man will susteine his infirmitie: but a wounded spirit who can beare it?
15 Cor prudens possidebit scientiam, et auris sapientium quærit doctrinam.]
A wise heart getteth knowledge, and the eare of the wise seeketh learning.
16 [Donum hominis dilatat viam ejus, et ante principes spatium ei facit.
A mans gift enlargeth him, and leadeth him before great men.
17 Justus prior est accusator sui: venit amicus ejus, et investigabit eum.
He that is first in his owne cause, is iust: then commeth his neighbour, and maketh inquirie of him.
18 Contradictiones comprimit sors, et inter potentes quoque dijudicat.
The lot causeth contentions to cease, and maketh a partition among the mightie.
19 Frater qui adjuvatur a fratre quasi civitas firma, et judicia quasi vectes urbium.
A brother offended is harder to winne then a strong citie, and their contentions are like the barre of a palace.
20 De fructu oris viri replebitur venter ejus, et genimina labiorum ipsius saturabunt eum.
With the fruite of a mans mouth shall his belly be satisfied, and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
21 Mors et vita in manu linguæ; qui diligunt eam comedent fructus ejus.
Death and life are in the power of ye tongue, and they that loue it, shall eate the fruite thereof.
22 Qui invenit mulierem bonam invenit bonum, et hauriet jucunditatem a Domino. Qui expellit mulierem bonam expellit bonum; qui autem tenet adulteram stultus est et impius.
He that findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and receiueth fauour of the Lord.
23 Cum obsecrationibus loquetur pauper, et dives effabitur rigide.
The poore speaketh with prayers: but the rich answereth roughly.
24 Vir amabilis ad societatem magis amicus erit quam frater.]
A man that hath friends, ought to shew him selfe friendly: for a friend is neerer then a brother.
