Proverbs 18

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 tot 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.

Proverbs 18

It's wrong to favour the guilty

1 It's selfish and stupid
to think only of yourself
and to sneer at people
who have sense.t

2 Fools have no desire to learn;
they would much rather
give their own opinion.

3 Wrongdoing leads to shame
and disgrace.

4 Words of wisdom
are a stream that flows
from a deep fountain.

5 It's wrong to favour the guilty
and keep the innocent
from getting justice.

6 Foolish talk will get you
into a lot of trouble.

7 Saying foolish things
is like setting a trap
to destroy yourself.

8 There's nothing so delicious
as the taste of gossip!
It melts in your mouth.

9 Being lazy is no different
from being a troublemaker.

10 The Lord is a mighty tower
where his people can run
for safety—

11 the rich think their money
is a wall of protection.

12 Pride leads to destruction;
humility leads to honour.

13 It's stupid and embarrassing
to give an answer
before you listen.

14 Being cheerful helps
when we are sick,
but nothing helps
when we give up.

15 Everyone with good sense
wants to learn.

16 A gift will get you in
to see anyone.

17 You may think you have won
your case in court,
until your opponent speaks.

18 Drawing straws is one-way
to settle a difficult case.

19 Making up with a friend
you have offendedt
is harder than breaking
through a city wall.

20 Make your words good—
you will be glad you did.

21 Words can bring death or life!
Talk too much, and you will eat
everything you say.

22 A man's greatest treasure
is his wife—
she is a gift from the Lord.

23 The poor must beg for help,
but the rich can give
a harsh reply.

24 Some friends don't help,t
but a true friend is closer
than your own family.