Proverbiorum 18
1 occasiones quaerit qui vult recedere ab amico omni tempore erit exprobrabilis
He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.
2 non recipit stultus verba prudentiae nisi ea dixeris quae versantur in corde eius
A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.
3 impius cum in profundum venerit peccatorum contemnit sed sequitur eum ignominia et obprobrium
With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace.
4 aqua profunda verba ex ore viri et torrens redundans fons sapientiae
The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5 accipere personam impii non est bonum ut declines a veritate iudicii
Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.
6 labia stulti inmiscunt se rixis et os eius iurgia provocat
A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.
7 os stulti contritio eius et labia illius ruina animae eius
A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 verba bilinguis quasi simplicia et ipsa perveniunt usque ad interiora ventris
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.
9 qui mollis et dissolutus est in opere suo frater est sua opera dissipantis
Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.
10 turris fortissima nomen Domini ad ipsum currit iustus et exaltabitur
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
11 substantia divitis urbs roboris eius et quasi murus validus circumdans eum
A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination.
12 antequam conteratur exaltatur cor hominis et antequam glorificetur humiliatur
Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
13 qui prius respondit quam audiat stultum se esse demonstrat et confusione dignum
He who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace to him.
14 spiritus viri sustentat inbecillitatem suam spiritum vero ad irascendum facilem quis poterit sustinere
The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?
15 cor prudens possidebit scientiam et auris sapientium quaerit doctrinam
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.
16 donum hominis dilatat viam eius et ante principes spatium ei facit
A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.
17 iustus prior est accusator sui venit amicus eius et investigavit eum
The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
18 contradictiones conprimit sors et inter potentes quoque diiudicat
Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.
19 frater qui adiuvatur a fratre quasi civitas firma et iudicia quasi vectes urbium
An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle.
20 de fructu oris viri replebitur venter eius et genimina labiorum illius saturabunt eum
From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.
21 mors et vita in manu linguae qui diligunt eam comedent fructus eius
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 qui invenit mulierem invenit bonum et hauriet iucunditatem a Domino
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
23 cum obsecrationibus loquetur pauper et dives effabitur rigide
The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.
24 vir amicalis ad societatem magis amicus erit quam frater
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
