Proverbs 18

1 A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses; but at all times he will be liable to reproach.

A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses; but at all times he will be liable to reproach.

2 A senseless man feels no need of wisdom, for he is rather led by folly.

A senseless man feels no need of wisdom, for he is rather led by folly.

3 When an ungodly man comes into a depth of evils, he despises [them]; but dishonor and reproach come upon him.

When an ungodly man comes into a depth of evils, he despises [them]; but dishonor and reproach come upon him.

4 A word in the heart of a man is a deep water, and a river and fountain of life spring forth.

A word in the heart of a man is a deep water, and a river and fountain of life spring forth.

5 [It is] not good to accept the person of the ungodly, nor [is it] holy to pervert justice in judgment.

[It is] not good to accept the person of the ungodly, nor [is it] holy to pervert justice in judgment.

6 The lips of a fool bring [him] into troubles, and his bold mouth calls for death.

The lips of a fool bring [him] into troubles, and his bold mouth calls for death.

7 A fool's mouth is ruin to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

A fool's mouth is ruin to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

8 Fear casts down the slothful; and the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.

Fear casts down the slothful; and the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.

9 A man who helps not himself by his labor is brother of him that ruins himself.

A man who helps not himself by his labor is brother of him that ruins himself.

10 The name of the Lord is of great strength; and the righteous running to it are exalted.

The name of the Lord is of great strength; and the righteous running to it are exalted.

11 The wealth of a rich man is a strong city; and its glory casts a broad shadow.

The wealth of a rich man is a strong city; and its glory casts a broad shadow.

12 Before ruin a man's heart is exalted, and before honor it is humble.

Before ruin a man's heart is exalted, and before honor it is humble.

13 Whoso answers a word before he hears [a cause], it is folly and reproach to him.

Whoso answers a word before he hears [a cause], it is folly and reproach to him.

14 A wise servant calms a man's anger; but who can endure a faint-hearted man?

A wise servant calms a man's anger; but who can endure a faint-hearted man?

15 The heart of the sensible [man] purchases discretion; and the ears of the wise seek understanding.

The heart of the sensible [man] purchases discretion; and the ears of the wise seek understanding.

16 A man's gift enlarges him, and seats him among princes.

A man's gift enlarges him, and seats him among princes.

17 A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech, but when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved.

A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech, but when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved.

18 A silent [man] quells strifes, and determines between great powers.

A silent [man] quells strifes, and determines between great powers.

19 A brother helped by a brother is as a strong and high city; and is [as] strong as a [well]-founded palace.

A brother helped by a brother is as a strong and high city; and is [as] strong as a [well]-founded palace.

20 A man fills his belly with the fruits of his mouth; and he shall be satisfied with the fruits of his lips.

A man fills his belly with the fruits of his mouth; and he shall be satisfied with the fruits of his lips.

21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue; and they that rule it shall eat the fruits thereof.

Life and death are in the power of the tongue; and they that rule it shall eat the fruits thereof.

22 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.]

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.]