Proverbs 18

1Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.footnote a

2A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

3When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

4The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

5It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

6A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

7A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

8The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.footnote bfootnote cfootnote d

9He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

10The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.footnote e

11The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

13He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.footnote f

14The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

15The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

16A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

17He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

18The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

19A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

20A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

21Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

22Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

23The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

24A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

The Selfishness of the Unfriendly

1He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires;he rebels against all sound judgment.

2A fool does not delight in understanding,but only in airing his opinions.

3With a wicked man comes contempt as well,and shame is accompanied by disgrace.

4The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

5Showing partialityfootnote ato the wicked is not good,nor is depriving the innocent of justice.

6A fool’s lips bring him strife,and his mouth invites a beating.

7A fool’s mouth is his ruin,and his lips are a snare to his soul.

8The words of a gossip are like choice morselsthat go down into the inmost being.

9Whoever is slothful in his workis brother to him who destroys.

10The name of the LORD is a strong tower;the righteous run to itfootnote band are safe.

11A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city;it is like a high wall in his imagination.

12Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud,but humility comes before honor.

13He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.

14The spirit of a man can endure his sickness,but who can survive a broken spirit?

15The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,and the ear of the wise seeks it out.

16A man’s gift opens doors for him,and brings him before great men.

17The first to state his case seems rightuntil another comes and cross-examines him.

18Casting the lot ends quarrelsand separates strong opponents.

19An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city,and disputes are like the bars of a castle.

20From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled;with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.

21Life and death are in the power of the tongue,and those who love it will eat its fruit.

22He who finds a wife finds a good thingand obtains favor from the LORD.

23The poor man pleads for mercy,but the rich man answers harshly.

24A man of many companions may come to ruin,but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.