18:1 HE WHO willfully separates {and} estranges himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire {and} pretext to break out against all wise {and} sound judgment. |
18:2 A [self-confident] fool has no delight in understanding but only in revealing his personal opinions {and} himself. |
18:3 When the wicked comes in [to the depth of evil], he becomes a contemptuous despiser [of all that is pure and good], and with inner baseness comes outer shame {and} reproach. |
18:4 The words of a [discreet and wise] man's mouth are like deep waters [plenteous and difficult to fathom], and the fountain of skillful {and} godly Wisdom is like a gushing stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving]. |
18:5 To respect the person of the wicked {and} be partial to him, so as to deprive the [consistently] righteous of justice, is not good. |
18:6 A [self-confident] fool's lips bring contention, and his mouth invites a beating. |
18:7 A [self-confident] fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to himself. |
18:8 The words of a whisperer {or} talebearer are as dainty morsels; they go down into the innermost parts of the body. |
18:9 He who is loose {and} slack in his work is brother to him who is a destroyer {and} {he who does not use his endeavors to heal himself is brother to him who commits suicide}. |
18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the [consistently] righteous man [upright and in right standing with God] runs into it and is safe, high [above evil] {and} strong. |
18:11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high protecting wall in his own imagination {and} conceit. |
18:12 Haughtiness comes before disaster, but humility before honor. |
18:13 He who answers a matter before he hears the facts--it is folly and shame to him. |
18:14 The strong spirit of a man sustains him in bodily pain {or} trouble, but a weak {and} broken spirit who can raise up {or} bear? |
18:15 The mind of the prudent is ever getting knowledge, and the ear of the wise is ever seeking (inquiring for and craving) knowledge. |
18:16 A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men. |
18:17 He who states his case first seems right, until his rival comes and cross-examines him. |
18:18 To cast lots puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders. |
18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won over than a strong city, and [their] contentions separate them like the bars of a castle. |
18:20 A man's [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil]. |
18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. |
18:22 He who finds a [true] wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. |
18:23 The poor man uses entreaties, but the rich answers roughly. |
18:24 The man of many friends [a friend of all the world] will prove himself a bad friend, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. |