Proverbs 18:1–12

Whoever yisolates himself seeks his own desire;

he breaks out against all sound judgment.

2  A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,

but only zin expressing his opinion.

3  When wickedness comes, contempt comes also,

and with dishonor comes disgrace.

4  The words of a man’s mouth are adeep waters;

the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

5  It is not good to bbe partial to1 the wicked

or to cdeprive the righteous of justice.

6  A fool’s lips walk into a fight,

and his mouth invites da beating.

7  eA fool’s mouth is his ruin,

and his lips are a snare to his soul.

8  fThe words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;

they go down into gthe inner parts of the body.

9  Whoever is slack in his work

is a hbrother to him who destroys.

10  iThe name of the Lord is ja strong tower;

the righteous man runs into it and kis safe.

11  lA rich man’s wealth is his strong city,

and like a high wall in his imagination.

12  mBefore destruction a man’s heart is haughty,

but nhumility comes before honor.