Proverbs 18

1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh [and] intermeddleth with all wisdom.

He that separateth himself seeketh his own desire, and snarlest against all sound wisdom.

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

A fool hath no delight in understanding, but only that his heart may lay itself bare.

3 When the wicked cometh, [then] cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

4 The words of a man’s mouth [are as] deep waters, [and] the wellspring of wisdom [as] a flowing brook.

The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters; a flowing brook, a fountain of wisdom.

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

It is not good to respect the person of the wicked, so as to turn aside the righteous in judgment.

6 A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

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

7 A fool’s mouth [is] his destruction, and his lips [are] the snare of his soul.

A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

8 The words of a talebearer [are] as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

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

Even one that is slack in his work is brother to him that is a destroyer.

10 The name of the LORD [is] a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is set up on high.

11 The rich man’s wealth [is] his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

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

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

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

13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth [it], it [is] folly and shame unto him.

He that giveth answer before he heareth, it is folly and confusion unto him.

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

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

15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

16 A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

17 [He that is] first in his own cause [seemeth] just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him out.

18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

The lot causeth strife to cease, and parteth asunder the contentious.

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

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

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

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

21 Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that indulge it shall eat the fruit thereof.

22 [Whoso] findeth a wife findeth a good [thing], and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a great good, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth impudently.

24 A man [that hath] friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.

There are friends that one hath to his own hurt; but there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.