Proverbs 18
1An unfriendly man pursues selfishness, 2 and defies all sound judgment. 1
2A fool has no delight in understanding, 2 but only in revealing his own opinion. 1
3When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, 2 and with shame comes disgrace. 1
4The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters. 2 The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook. 1
5To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, 2 nor to deprive the innocent of mishpat ·justice·. 1
6A fool’s lips come into strife, 2 and his mouth invites beatings. 1
7A fool’s mouth is his destruction, 2 and his lips are a snare to his soul. 1
8The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: 2 they go down into a person’s innermost parts. 1
9One who is slack in his work 2 is brother to him who is a master of destruction. 1
10Adonai’s name is a strong tower: 2 the upright run to him, and are safe. 1
11The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, 2 like an unscalable wall in his own imagination. 1
12Before destruction the heart of man is proud, 2 but before kavod ·weighty glory· is humility. 1
13He who gives answer before he sh'ma ·hears obeys·, 2 that is folly and shame to him. 1
14A man’s spirit will sustain him in sickness, 2 but a crushed spirit, who can bear? 1
15The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. 2 The ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 1
16A man’s gift makes room for him, 2 and brings him before great men. 1
17He who pleads his cause first seems right; 2 until another comes and questions him. 1
18The lot settles disputes, 2 and keeps strong ones apart. 1
19A brother rebelled against to break away from authority thus breaking relationship is more difficult than a fortified city; 2 and disputes are like the bars of a fortress. 1
20A man’s stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth. 2 With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied. 1
21Death and life are in the power of the tongue; 2 those who 'ahav ·affectionately love· it will eat its fruit. 1
22Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, 2 and obtains favor of Adonai. 1
23The poor plead for mercy, 2 but the rich answer harshly. 1
24A man of many companions may be ruined, 2 but there is a 'ahav ·affectionate lover, friend· who sticks closer than a brother.