Proverbs 18
1One who isolates himself seeks his own desire 1 and he quarrels with all sound judgment. 1
2A fool finds no pleasure in understanding, 1 but only in revealing what is in his own heart. 1
3When a wicked person comes, contempt comes with him— 1 along with shame and reproach. 1
4The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; 1 the fountain of wisdom is a flowing stream. 1
5It is not good to be partial to the wicked person, 1 nor to deny justice to the righteous person. 1
6A fool's lips bring him conflict 1 and his mouth invites a beating. 1
7A fool's mouth is his ruin 1 and he ensnares himself with his lips. 1
8The words of a gossip are like delicious morsels 1 and they go down into the inner parts of the body. 1
9Also, one who is slack in his work 1 is a brother to the one who destroys the most. 1
10The name of Yahweh is a strong tower; 1 the righteous person runs into it and is safe. 1
11The wealth of the rich is his fortified city 1 and in his imagination it is like a high wall. 1
12Before his downfall a person's heart is proud, 1 but humility comes before honor. 1
13One who answers before listening— 1 it is his folly and shame. 1
14A person's spirit will survive sickness, 1 but a broken spirit who can bear it? 1
15The heart of the intelligent acquires knowledge 1 and the hearing of the wise seeks it out. 1
16A man's gift may open the way 1 and bring him before an important person. 1
17The first to plead his case seems right 1 until his opponent comes and questions him. 1
18Casting the lot settles disputes 1 and separates strong opponents. 1
19An offended brother is harder to be won than a strong city, 1 and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. 1
20From the fruit of his mouth one's stomach is filled; 1 with the harvest of his lips he is satisfied. 1
21Death and life are controlled by the tongue, 1 and those who love the tongue will eat its fruit. 1
22He who finds a wife finds a good thing 1 and receives favor from Yahweh. 1
23A poor person pleads for mercy, 1 but a rich person answers harshly. 1
24The one who claims many friends is brought to ruin by them, 1 but there is a friend who comes closer than a brother.