Proverbs 18

1 For the desire thereof hee will separate himselfe to seeke it, and occupie himselfe in all wisdome.

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

2 A foole hath no delite in vnderstanding: but that his heart may be discouered.

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

3 When the wicked commeth, then commeth contempt, and with the vile man reproch.

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

4 The words of a mans mouth are like deepe waters, and the welspring of wisdome is like a flowing riuer.

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

5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to cause ye righteous to fall in iudgement.

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

6 A fooles lips come with strife, and his mouth calleth for stripes.

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

7 A fooles mouth is his owne destruction, and his lips are a snare for his soule.

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

8 The wordes of a tale bearer are as flatterings, and they goe downe into the bowels of the belly.

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.

9 He also that is slouthfull in his worke, is euen the brother of him that is a great waster.

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

10 The Name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth vnto it, and is exalted.

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

11 The rich mans riches are his strong citie: and as an hie wall in his imagination.

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

12 Before destruction the heart of a man is hautie, and before glory goeth lowlines.

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

13 He that answereth a matter before hee heare it, it is folly and shame vnto him.

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

14 The spirit of a man will susteine his infirmitie: but a wounded spirit who can beare it?

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

15 A wise heart getteth knowledge, and the eare of the wise seeketh learning.

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

16 A mans gift enlargeth him, and leadeth him before great men.

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

17 He that is first in his owne cause, is iust: then commeth his neighbour, and maketh inquirie of him.

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.

18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and maketh a partition among the mightie.

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

19 A brother offended is harder to winne then a strong citie, and their contentions are like the barre of a palace.

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

20 With the fruite of a mans mouth shall his belly be satisfied, and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

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

21 Death and life are in the power of ye tongue, and they that loue it, shall eate the fruite thereof.

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

22 He that findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and receiueth fauour of the Lord.

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

23 The poore speaketh with prayers: but the rich answereth roughly.

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

24 A man that hath friends, ought to shew him selfe friendly: for a friend is neerer then a brother.

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