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. |