Proverbs 18

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

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

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

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

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

When the wicked comes, then comes also contempt, and with dishonour 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, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

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 wicked, to overthrow 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 calls 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 destruction, 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 talebearer are as wounds, 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.

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 into it, and is safe.

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

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 an 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 man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

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

He that answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame 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 wounded 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 gets knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16 A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth 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 own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth 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 parteth between the mighty.

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

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 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 the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit of it.

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

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

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

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

The poor uses entreaties; but the rich answers roughly.

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

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