Proverbs 18
1 A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses; but at all times he will be liable to reproach.
Selfish people only please themselves, they attack anything that makes good sense.
2 A senseless man feels no need of wisdom, for he is rather led by folly.
Stupid people have no interest in trying to understand, they only want to express their opinions.
3 When an ungodly man comes into a depth of evils, he despises [them]; but dishonour and reproach come upon him.
With wickedness comes contempt; with dishonor comes disgrace.
4 A word in the heart of a man is a deep water, and a river and fountain of life spring forth.
People's words can be profound like deep waters, a gushing stream that is the source of wisdom.
5 [It is] not good to accept the person of the ungodly, nor [is it] holy to pervert justice in judgement.
It's not right to show favoritism to the guilty and rob the innocent of justice.
6 The lips of a fool bring [him] into troubles, and his bold mouth calls for death.
What stupid people say gets them into fights, as if they're asking for a beating.
7 A fool's mouth is ruin to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
Stupid people are caught out by what they say; their own words trap them.
8 Fear casts down the slothful; and the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.
Listening to gossip is like gulping down bites of your favorite food—they go deep down inside you.
9 A man who helps not himself by his labour is brother of him that ruins himself.
Laziness and destruction are brothers.
10 The name of the Lord is of great strength; and the righteous running to it are exalted.
The Lord is a protective tower that good people can run to and be safe.
11 The wealth of a rich man is a strong city; and its glory casts a broad shadow.
Rich people see their wealth as a fortified town—it's like a high wall in their imagination.
12 Before ruin a man's heart is exalted, and before honour it is humble.
Pride leads to destruction; humility goes before honor.
13 Whoso answers a word before he hears [a cause], it is folly and reproach to him.
Replying before hearing is stupidity and shame.
14 A wise servant calms a man's anger; but who can endure a faint-hearted man?
With a brave spirit you can put up with sickness, but if it's crushed, you can't bear it.
15 The heart of the sensible [man] purchases discretion; and the ears of the wise seek understanding.
An intelligent mind acquires knowledge; the wise are ready to hear knowledge.
16 A man's gift enlarges him, and seats him amongst princes.
A gift opens doors for you, and gets you into the presence of important people.
17 A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech, but when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved.
The first person to plead a case sounds right until someone comes to cross-examine them.
18 A silent [man] quells strifes, and determines between great powers.
Casting lots can end disputes and decide between powerful people.
19 A brother helped by a brother is as a strong and high city; and is [as] strong as a [well]-founded palace.
A brother you've offended is harder to win back than a fortified town. Arguments keep people apart like bars on the doors of a fortress.
20 A man fills his belly with the fruits of his mouth; and he shall be satisfied with the fruits of his lips.
Make sure you're satisfied with what you say—you have to live with your words.
21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue; and they that rule it shall eat the fruits thereof.
What you say has the power to bring life or to kill; those who love talking will have to deal with the consequences.
22 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.]
If you find a wife, that's great, and you'll be blessed by the Lord.
The poor beg for mercy, but the rich reply harshly.
Some friends give up on you, but there's a friend who stays closer to you than a brother.
