Proverbs 18

1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.2 A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart.3 When the wicked comes, contempt comes also; And with dishonor comes reproach.4 The words of a mans mouth are deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.5  It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, Or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.6 A fools lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows.7 A fools mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.8 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.9 He who is slothful in his work Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.11 The rich mans wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own esteem.12 Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility.13 He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.14 The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?15 The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.16 A mans gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.17 The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him.18 Casting lots causes contentions to cease, And keeps the mighty apart.19 A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.20 A mans stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.22  He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the Lord.23 The poor man uses entreaties, But the rich answers roughly.24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

PROVERBS 18

It's Wrong //To Favor 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,
instead they would 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 favor 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 honor.

13  t It's stupid and embarrassing
to give an answer
before you listen.

14 Being cheerful helps
when you are sick,
but nothing helps
when you 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  t 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.