Proverbs 18

¹He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense.

²A foolish man has no pleasure in good sense, but only to let what is in his heart come to light.

³When the evil-doer comes, a low opinion comes with him, and with the loss of honour comes shame.

⁴The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters: the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.

⁵To have respect for the person of the evil-doer is not good, or to give a wrong decision against the upright.

⁶A foolish man's lips are a cause of fighting, and his mouth makes him open to blows.

⁷The mouth of a foolish man is his destruction, and his lips are a net for his soul.

⁸The words of one who says evil of his neighbour secretly are like sweet food, and go down into the inner parts of the stomach.

⁹He who does not give his mind to his work is brother to him who makes destruction.

¹⁰The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the upright man running into it is safe.

¹¹The property of a man of wealth is his strong town, and it is as a high wall in the thoughts of his heart.

¹²Before destruction the heart of man is full of pride, and before honour goes a gentle spirit.

¹³To give an answer before hearing is a foolish thing and a cause of shame.

¹⁴The spirit of a man will be his support when he is ill; but how may a broken spirit be lifted up?

¹⁵The heart of the man of good sense gets knowledge; the ear of the wise is searching for knowledge.

¹⁶A man's offering makes room for him, letting him come before great men.

¹⁷The man who first puts his cause before the judge seems to be in the right; but then his neighbour comes and puts his cause in its true light.

¹⁸The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong.

¹⁹A brother wounded is like a strong town, and violent acts are like a locked tower.

²⁰With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be full; the produce of his lips will be his in full measure.

²¹Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those to whom it is dear will have its fruit for their food.

²²Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord.

²³The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer.

²⁴There are friends who may be a man's destruction, but there is a lover who keeps nearer than a brother.