Proverbs18

¹ Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.

² A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

³ When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace.

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

⁵ It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice.

⁶ A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.

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

⁸ The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.

⁹ Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.

¹⁰ The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

¹¹ A rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination.

¹² Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.

¹³ If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

¹⁴ A man’s spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?

¹⁵ An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

¹⁶ A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.

¹⁷ The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.

¹⁸ The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders.

¹⁹ A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.

²⁰ From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.

²¹ Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

²² He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.

²³ The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.

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