Proverbs 18

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

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

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

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

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

A fool's mouth is ruin to him, 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 they that rule it shall eat the fruits thereof.

22 Whoever findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour from the LORD.

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.]

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

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