Proverbs 18

1 He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense.

A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses; but at all times he will be liable to reproach.

2 A foolish man has no pleasure in good sense, but only to let what is in his heart come to light.

A senseless man feels no need of wisdom, for he is rather led by folly.

3 When the evil-doer comes, a low opinion comes with him, and with the loss of honour comes shame.

When an ungodly man comes into a depth of evils, he despises [them]; but dishonor and reproach come upon him.

4 The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters: the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.

A word in the heart of a man is a deep water, and a river and fountain of life spring forth.

5 To have respect for the person of the evil-doer is not good, or to give a wrong decision against the upright.

[It is] not good to accept the person of the ungodly, nor [is it] holy to pervert justice in judgment.

6 A foolish man's lips are a cause of fighting, and his mouth makes him open to blows.

The lips of a fool bring [him] into troubles, and his bold mouth calls for death.

7 The mouth of a foolish man is his destruction, and his lips are a net for his soul.

A fool's mouth is ruin to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

8 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.

Fear casts down the slothful; and the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.

9 He who does not give his mind to his work is brother to him who makes destruction.

A man who helps not himself by his labor is brother of him that ruins himself.

10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the upright man running into it is safe.

The name of the Lord is of great strength; and the righteous running to it are exalted.

11 The property of a man of wealth is his strong town, and it is as a high wall in the thoughts of his heart.

The wealth of a rich man is a strong city; and its glory casts a broad shadow.

12 Before destruction the heart of man is full of pride, and before honour goes a gentle spirit.

Before ruin a man's heart is exalted, and before honor it is humble.

13 To give an answer before hearing is a foolish thing and a cause of shame.

Whoso answers a word before he hears [a cause], it is folly and reproach to him.

14 The spirit of a man will be his support when he is ill; but how may a broken spirit be lifted up?

A wise servant calms a man's anger; but who can endure a faint-hearted man?

15 The heart of the man of good sense gets knowledge; the ear of the wise is searching for knowledge.

The heart of the sensible [man] purchases discretion; and the ears of the wise seek understanding.

16 A man's offering makes room for him, letting him come before great men.

A man's gift enlarges him, and seats him among princes.

17 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.

A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech, but when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved.

18 The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong.

A silent [man] quells strifes, and determines between great powers.

19 A brother wounded is like a strong town, and violent acts are like a locked tower.

A brother helped by a brother is as a strong and high city; and is [as] strong as a [well]-founded palace.

20 With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be full; the produce of his lips will be his in full measure.

A man fills his belly with the fruits of his mouth; and he shall be satisfied with the fruits of his lips.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those to whom it is dear will have its fruit for their food.

Life and death are in the power of the tongue; and they that rule it shall eat the fruits thereof.

22 Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord.

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.]

23 The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer.

24 There are friends who may be a man's destruction, but there is a lover who keeps nearer than a brother.