18:1  He who separates himself seeks his own desire, He quarrels against all sound wisdom.

18:2  A fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own mind.

18:3   When a wicked man comes, contempt also comes, And with dishonor comes scorn.

18:4  The words of a man's mouth resemble deep waters; The fountain of wisdom resembles a bubbling brook.

18:5  To show partiality to the wicked does not bode well, Nor to thrust aside the righteous in judgment.

18:6  A fool's lips bring strife, And his mouth calls for blows.

18:7  A fool's mouth brings his ruin, And his lips snare his soul.

18:8  The words of a whisperer resemble dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

18:9  He also who works with slackness makes himself a brother to him who destroys.

18:10  The name of the LORD serves as a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and finds safety.

18:11  A rich man considers wealth his strong city, And like a high wall in his own imagination.

18:12  Before destruction the heart of man becomes haughty, But humility goes before honor.

18:13   He who gives an answer before he hears, It becomes folly and shame to him.

18:14  The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, But as for a broken spirit who can bear it?

18:15  The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

18:16   A man's gift makes room for him And brings him before great men.

18:17   The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him.

18:18   The cast lot puts an end to strife And decides between the mighty ones.

18:19   We find a brother offended harder to win than a strong city, And contentions resemble the bars of a citadel.

18:20  With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will find satisfaction; He will find satisfaction in the product of his lips.

18:21   Death and life reside in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

18:22  He who finds a wife finds a good thing And obtains favor from the LORD.

18:23  The poor man utters supplications, But the rich man answers roughly.

18:24   A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But one finds a friend who sticks closer than a brother.