Proverbs 18
The Selfishness of the Unfriendly
¹ He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.
² A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.
³ With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace.
⁴ The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
⁵ Showing partiality 1 to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.
⁶ A fool’s lips bring him strife, 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 gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.
⁹ Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.
¹⁰ The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it 2 and are safe.
¹¹ A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination.
¹² Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
¹³ He who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace to him.
¹⁴ The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?
¹⁵ The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.
¹⁶ A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.
¹⁷ The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
¹⁸ Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.
¹⁹ An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle.
²⁰ From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.
²¹ Life and death 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 pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.
²⁴ A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.