Proverbs 18
1 He that separateth himself seeketh [his] pleasure, he is vehement against all sound wisdom.
Selfish people only please themselves, they attack anything that makes good sense.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but only that his heart may reveal itself.
Stupid people have no interest in trying to understand, they only want to express their opinions.
3 When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
With wickedness comes contempt; with dishonor comes disgrace.
4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, [and] the fountain of wisdom is a gushing brook.
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 wicked, to wrong the righteous in judgment.
It's not right to show favoritism to the guilty and rob the innocent of justice.
6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for stripes.
What stupid people say gets them into fights, as if they're asking for a beating.
7 A fool's mouth is destruction 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 The words of a talebearer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Listening to gossip is like gulping down bites of your favorite food—they go deep down inside you.
9 He also who is indolent in his work is brother of the destroyer.
Laziness and destruction are brothers.
10 The name of Jehovah is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
The Lord is a protective tower that good people can run to and be safe.
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own imagination.
Rich people see their wealth as a fortified town—it's like a high wall in their imagination.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; and before honour [goeth] humility.
Pride leads to destruction; humility goes before honor.
13 He that giveth answer before he heareth, it is folly and shame unto him.
Replying before hearing is stupidity and shame.
14 The spirit of a man sustaineth his infirmity; but a broken spirit who can bear?
With a brave spirit you can put up with sickness, but if it's crushed, you can't bear it.
15 The heart of an intelligent [man] getteth knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
An intelligent mind acquires knowledge; the wise are ready to hear knowledge.
16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
A gift opens doors for you, and gets you into the presence of important people.
17 He that is first in his own cause [seemeth] just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
The first person to plead a case sounds right until someone comes to cross-examine them.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
Casting lots can end disputes and decide between powerful people.
19 A brother offended is [harder to be won] than a strong city; and contentions are as the bars of a 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's belly is satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; with the increase of his lips is he satisfied.
Make sure you're satisfied with what you say—you have to live with your words.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it shall eat the fruit 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 Whoso hath found a wife hath found a good thing, and hath obtained favour from Jehovah.
If you find a wife, that's great, and you'll be blessed by the Lord.
23 He that is poor speaketh with supplications, but the rich answereth roughly.
The poor beg for mercy, but the rich reply harshly.
24 A man of [many] friends will come to ruin but there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.
Some friends give up on you, but there's a friend who stays closer to you than a brother.
