Proverbs 18

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

Selfish people only please themselves, they attack anything that makes good sense.

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

Stupid people have no interest in trying to understand, they only want to express their opinions.

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

With wickedness comes contempt; with dishonor comes disgrace.

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

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 cause ye righteous to fall in iudgement.

It's not right to show favoritism to the guilty and rob the innocent of justice.

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

What stupid people say gets them into fights, as if they're asking for a beating.

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

Stupid people are caught out by what they say; their own words trap them.

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

Listening to gossip is like gulping down bites of your favorite food—they go deep down inside you.

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

Laziness and destruction are brothers.

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

The Lord is a protective tower that good people can run to and be safe.

11 The rich mans riches are his strong citie: and as an hie wall in his 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 a man is hautie, and before glory goeth lowlines.

Pride leads to destruction; humility goes before honor.

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

Replying before hearing is stupidity and shame.

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

With a brave spirit you can put up with sickness, but if it's crushed, you can't bear it.

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

An intelligent mind acquires knowledge; the wise are ready to hear knowledge.

16 A mans gift enlargeth him, and leadeth 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 owne cause, is iust: then commeth his neighbour, and maketh inquirie of 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 maketh a partition among the mightie.

Casting lots can end disputes and decide between powerful people.

19 A brother offended is harder to winne then a strong citie, and their contentions are like the barre 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 With the fruite of a mans mouth shall his belly be satisfied, and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

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 ye tongue, and they that loue it, shall eate the fruite 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 findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and receiueth fauour of the Lord.

If you find a wife, that's great, and you'll be blessed by the Lord.

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

The poor beg for mercy, but the rich reply harshly.

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

Some friends give up on you, but there's a friend who stays closer to you than a brother.