1Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.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' 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' lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.7A fool' 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.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.11The rich man' 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.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' 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' 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.
Proverbs 18
English Standard Version
1Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. (Jud 1:19)2A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. (Pr 13:16; Ec 10:3)3When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace.4The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. (Pr 20:5)5It is not good to be partial to[1] the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice. (Le 19:15; De 1:17; Ps 82:2; Pr 17:15; Pr 24:23; Pr 28:21)6A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. (Pr 19:29)7A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. (Ps 64:8; Ps 140:9; Pr 10:14; Pr 12:13; Pr 13:3; Ec 10:12)8The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body. (Pr 16:28; Pr 20:27; Pr 26:22)9Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys. (Pr 28:24)10The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. (Ex 34:5; 2Sa 22:3; Ps 18:2; Ps 20:1; Ps 61:3)11A rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination. (Pr 10:15)12Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. (Pr 11:2; Pr 15:33)13If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. (Joh 7:51)14A man’s spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? (Pr 15:13)15An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.16A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great. (Ge 32:20; 1Sa 25:27; Pr 17:8)17The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.18The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders. (Pr 16:33)19A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.20From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. (Pr 12:14)21Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. (Pr 4:23; Pr 12:13; Mt 12:36)22He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. (Ge 2:18; Pr 8:35; Pr 12:4; Pr 19:14; Pr 31:10)23The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly. (Jas 2:3; Jas 2:6)24A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Pr 17:17)