Proverbs 18

1 He that separateth himself seeketh his own desire, And rageth against all sound wisdom.

2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, But only that his heart may reveal itself.

3 When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, And with ignominy cometh reproach.

4 The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is as a flowing brook.

5 To respect the person of the wicked is not good, Nor to turn aside the righteous in judgment.

6 A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calleth for stripes.

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

8 The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.

9 He also that is slack in his work Is brother to him that is a destroyer.

10 The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; The righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And as a high wall in his own imagination.

12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor goeth humility.

13 He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him.

14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear?

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

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

17 He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out.

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

19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; And such contentions are like the bars of a castle.

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

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

22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favor of Jehovah.

23 The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly.

24 He that maketh many friends doeth it to his own destruction; But there is a friend that sticketh 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.