Proverbs 18

1 An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends
and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.

2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding
but delight in airing their own opinions.

3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt,
and with shame comes reproach.

4 The words of the mouth are deep waters,
but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.

5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked
and so deprive the innocent of justice.

6 The lips of fools bring them strife,
and their mouths invite a beating.

7 The mouths of fools are their undoing,
and their lips are a snare to their very lives.

8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to the inmost parts.

9 One who is slack in his work
is a close relative of one who destroys.

10 The name of the Lord is a fortified tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.

11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city;
they imagine it a wall too high to scale.

12 Before a downfall the heart is haughty,
but humility comes before honor.

13 To answer before listening—
that is folly and shame.

14 The human spirit can endure in sickness,
but a crushed spirit who can bear?

15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,
for the ears of the wise seek it out.

16 A gift opens the way
and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.

17 In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right,
until someone comes forward and cross-examines.

18 Casting the lot settles disputes
and keeps strong opponents apart.

19 A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city;
disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.

20 From the fruit of their mouths people’s stomachs are filled;
with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.

21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.

22 He who finds a wife finds what is good
and receives favor from the Lord.

23 The poor plead for mercy,
but the rich answer harshly.

24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
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.