Proverbs 18
1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.
3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace.
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 deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.
6 A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.
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 a snare to 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 gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.
9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.
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 run to it and are safe.
11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame to him.
He who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace to him.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?
15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.
16 A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.
17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.
19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes 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.
From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit of it.
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 Whoever findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour from the LORD.
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
23 The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.
24 A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
