Proverbs 18:9-Proverbs 19:12 - How To Avoid Fools And Foolishness

9 Whoever is lazy regarding his work is also a brother to the master of destruction.

10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; a righteous person rushes to it and is lifted up above the danger.

11 The wealth of a rich person is his fortified city; in his own imagination, it is like a high wall.

12 Before a man's downfall, his mind is arrogant, but humility precedes honor.

13 Whoever answers before listening is both foolish and shameful.

14 A man's spirit can sustain him during his illness, but who can bear a crushed spirit?

15 The mind of a discerning person gains knowledge, while the ears of wise people seek out knowledge.

16 A person's gift opens doors for him, bringing him access to important people.

17 The first to put forth his case seems right, until someone else steps forward and cross-examines him.

18 Casting dice settles a dispute, deciding between strong contenders.

19 An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and his disputes are like the bars of a fortress.

20 The positive words that a man speaks fill his stomach; he will be satisfied with what his lips produce.

21 The power of the tongue is life and death those who love to talk will eat what it produces.

22 Whoever finds a wife finds what is good, and receives favor from the LORD.

23 The poor person pleads for mercy, but the wealthy man responds harshly.

24 A man with many friends can still be ruined, but a true friend sticks closer than a brother.

1 A poor man who walks blamelessly is better than a fool who speaks perversely.

2 Furthermore, it isn't good to be ignorant, and whoever rushes into things misses the mark.

3 A man's foolishness ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the LORD.

4 Wealth brings many friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend.

5 A witness to lies will not go unpunished; the teller of falsehoods will not escape.

6 Many curry favor of an official; everyone is a friend of the gift giver.

7 All the relatives of a poor person shun him how much more do his friends avoid him! Though he runs after them pleading, they aren't around.

8 Whoever obtains wisdom loves himself, and whoever treasures understanding will prosper.

9 A witness to lies will not go unpunished; the teller of falsehoods will perish.

10 It's not fitting for a fool to live in luxury; neither is it for a servant to rule over princes.

11 A person's discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is to his credit that he ignores an offence.

12 The king's anger is like the roaring of a lion, but his goodwill is like dew on the grass.


International Standard Version Copyright © 1996-2008 by the ISV Foundation.