Proverbs18

¹ Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense.

² Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.

³ Doing wrong leads to disgrace, and scandalous behavior brings contempt.

⁴ Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.

⁵ It is not right to acquit the guilty or deny justice to the innocent.

⁶ Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.

⁷ The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.

⁸ Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.

⁹ A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.

¹⁰ The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.

¹¹ The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.

¹² Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.

¹³ Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.

¹⁴ The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?

¹⁵ Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.

¹⁶ Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people!

¹⁷ The first to speak in court sounds right— until the cross-examination begins.

¹⁸ Flipping a coin can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents.

¹⁹ An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.

²⁰ Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.

²¹ The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

²² The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord.

²³ The poor plead for mercy; the rich answer with insults.

²⁴ There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.