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