Proverbs 18
1One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires;
he rebels against all sound wisdom.2
3A fool does not delight in understanding, but only wants to show off his opinions.4
5When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes, and along with dishonor, derision.6
7The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters, a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.8
9It is not good to show partiality to the guilty, denying an innocent person justice.10
11A fool’s lips lead to strife, and his mouth provokes a beating.12
13A fool’s mouth is his devastation, and his lips are a trap for his life.14
15A gossip’s words are like choice food that goes down to one’s innermost being.16
17The one who is lazy in his work is brother to a vandal.18
19The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected.20
21The wealth of the rich is his fortified city; in his imagination it is like a high wall.22
23Before his downfall a person’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.24
25The one who gives an answer before he listens — this is foolishness and disgrace for him.26
27A person’s spirit can endure sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?28
29The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it.30
31A person’s gift opens doors for him and brings him before the great.32
33The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.34
35Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates powerful opponents.36
37An offended brother is harder to reach than a fortified city, and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.38
39From the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is filled with the product of his lips.40
41Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.42
43A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.44
45The poor person pleads, but the rich one answers roughly.46
47One with many friends may be harmed, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.48
3A fool does not delight in understanding, but only wants to show off his opinions.4
5When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes, and along with dishonor, derision.6
7The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters, a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.8
9It is not good to show partiality to the guilty, denying an innocent person justice.10
11A fool’s lips lead to strife, and his mouth provokes a beating.12
13A fool’s mouth is his devastation, and his lips are a trap for his life.14
15A gossip’s words are like choice food that goes down to one’s innermost being.16
17The one who is lazy in his work is brother to a vandal.18
19The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected.20
21The wealth of the rich is his fortified city; in his imagination it is like a high wall.22
23Before his downfall a person’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.24
25The one who gives an answer before he listens — this is foolishness and disgrace for him.26
27A person’s spirit can endure sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?28
29The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it.30
31A person’s gift opens doors for him and brings him before the great.32
33The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.34
35Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates powerful opponents.36
37An offended brother is harder to reach than a fortified city, and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.38
39From the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is filled with the product of his lips.40
41Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.42
43A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.44
45The poor person pleads, but the rich one answers roughly.46
47One with many friends may be harmed, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.48