18:1  For `an object of' desire he who is separated doth seek, With all wisdom he intermeddleth.

18:2  A fool delighteth not in understanding, But -- in uncovering his heart.

18:3  With the coming of the wicked come also hath contempt, And with shame -- reproach.

18:4  Deep waters `are' the words of a man's mouth, The fountain of wisdom `is' a flowing brook.

18:5  Acceptance of the face of the wicked `is' not good, To turn aside the righteous in judgment.

18:6  The lips of a fool enter into strife, And his mouth for stripes calleth.

18:7  The mouth of a fool `is' ruin to him, And his lips `are' the snare of his soul.

18:8  The words of a tale-bearer `are' as self-inflicted wounds, And they have gone down `to' the inner parts of the heart.

18:9  He also that is remiss in his work, A brother he `is' to a destroyer.

18:10  A tower of strength `is' the name of Jehovah, Into it the righteous runneth, and is set on high.

18:11  The wealth of the rich `is' the city of his strength, And as a wall set on high in his own imagination.

18:12  Before destruction the heart of man is high, And before honour `is' humility.

18:13  Whoso is answering a matter before he heareth, Folly it is to him and shame.

18:14  The spirit of a man sustaineth his sickness, And a smitten spirit who doth bear?

18:15  The heart of the intelligent getteth knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

18:16  The gift of a man maketh room for him, And before the great it leadeth him.

18:17  Righteous `is' the first in his own cause, His neighbour cometh and hath searched him.

18:18  The lot causeth contentions to cease, And between the mighty it separateth.

18:19  A brother transgressed against is as a strong city, And contentions as the bar of a palace.

18:20  From the fruit of a man's mouth is his belly satisfied, `From the' increase of his lips he is satisfied.

18:21  Death and life `are' in the power of the tongue, And those loving it eat its fruit.

18:22  `Whoso' hath found a wife hath found good, And bringeth out good-will from Jehovah.

18:23  `With' supplications doth the poor speak, And the rich answereth fierce things.

18:24  A man with friends `is' to show himself friendly, And there is a lover adhering more than a brother!