1
One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires;
he rebels against all sound judgment.
2
A fool does not delight in understanding,
but only wants to show off his opinions.(a)(A)
3
When a wicked man comes, contempt also does,
and along with dishonor, disgrace.
4
The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters,(B)
a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.(b)
5
It is not good to show partiality to the guilty(C)
by perverting the justice due the innocent.(D)
6
A fool’s lips lead to strife,
and his mouth provokes a beating.(E)
7
A fool’s mouth is his devastation,
and his lips are a trap for his life.(F)
8
A gossip’s words are like choice food
that goes down to one’s innermost being.(c)(G)
9
The one who is truly lazy in his work
is brother to a vandal.(d)(H)
10
The name of Yahweh is a strong tower;(I)
the righteous run to it and are protected.(e)(J)
11
A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city;
in his imagination it is like a high wall.(K)
12
Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud,(L)
but humility comes before honor.(M)
13
The one who gives an answer before he listens—
this is foolishness and disgrace for him.(N)
14
A man’s spirit can endure sickness,
but who can survive a broken spirit?(O)
15
The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks it.(P)
16
A gift opens doors(f) for a man
and brings him before the great.(Q)
17
The first to state his case seems right
until another comes and cross-examines him.(R)
18
Casting the lot(S) ends quarrels
and separates powerful opponents.
19
An offended brother is harder to reach(g)
than a fortified city,
and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.
20
From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is satisfied;
he is filled with the product of his lips.(T)
21
Life and death are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.(U)
22
A man who finds a wife finds a good thing(V)
and obtains favor from the Lord.(W)
23
The poor man pleads,(X)
but the rich one answers roughly.(Y)
24
A man with many friends may be harmed,(h)
but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.(Z)


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Footnotes:

a. Proverbs 18:2: Lit to uncover his heart
b. Proverbs 18:4: Or waters; a fountain of wisdom is a flowing river.
c. Proverbs 18:8: Lit to the chambers of the belly
d. Proverbs 18:9: Lit master of destruction
e. Proverbs 18:10: Lit raised high
f. Proverbs 18:16: Lit gift makes room
g. Proverbs 18:19: LXX, Syr, Tg, Vg read is stronger
h. Proverbs 18:24: Some LXX mss, Syr, Tg, Vg read friends must be friendly

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