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 are deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. |
18:5 To show partiality to the wicked is not good, {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 is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul. |
18:8 The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body. |
18:9 He also who is slack in his work Is brother to him who destroys. |
18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe. |
18:11 A rich man's wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own imagination. |
18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, But humility {goes} before honor. |
18:13 He who gives an answer before he hears, It is 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 A brother offended {is harder to be won} than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a citadel. |
18:20 With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be satisfied; He will be satisfied {with} the product of his lips. |
18:21 Death and life are 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 there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. |