Proverbs 18

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

Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeks and intermeddles with all wisdom.

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

A fool has no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

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

When the wicked comes, then comes also contempt, and with dishonour reproach.

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 as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

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

It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

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

A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for strokes.

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

A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of 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 a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

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

He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great destroyer.

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 righteous runs into it, and is safe.

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

The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

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

Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

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

He that answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame unto him.

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

The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

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

The heart of the prudent gets knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

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

A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.

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

He that is first in his own cause seems just; but his neighbour comes and searches him.

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

The lot causes contentions to cease, and parts between the mighty.

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

A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

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

A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

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 they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

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

Whoso finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favour of the LORD.

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

The poor uses entreaties; but the rich answers roughly.

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

A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.