Proverbs 18

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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17} The 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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