Proverbs 18

18TH CHAPTER

¹A loner is out to get what he wants for himself. 

He opposes all sound reasoning. 

²A fool does not find joy in understanding 

but only in expressing his own opinion. 

³When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, 

and insult comes along with disgrace. 

⁴The words of a person’s mouth are like deep waters. 

The fountain of wisdom is an overflowing stream. 

⁵It is not good to be partial toward a wicked person, 

thereby depriving an innocent person of justice. 

⁶By talking, a fool gets into an argument, 

and his mouth invites a beating. 

⁷A fool’s mouth is his ruin. 

His lips are a trap to his soul. 

⁸The words of a gossip are swallowed greedily, 

and they go down into a person’s innermost being. 

How to Avoid Fools and Foolishness

⁹Whoever is lazy in his work is related to a vandal. 

¹⁰The name of the Lord is a strong tower. 

A righteous person runs to it and is safe. 

¹¹A rich person’s wealth is his strong city 

and is like a high wall in his imagination. 

¹²Before destruction a person’s heart is arrogant, 

but humility comes before honor. 

¹³Whoever gives an answer before he listens is stupid and shameful. 

¹⁴A person’s spirit can endure sickness, 

but who can bear a broken spirit? 

¹⁵The mind of a person who has understanding acquires knowledge. 

The ears of wise people seek knowledge. 

¹⁶A gift opens doors for the one who gives it 

and brings him into the presence of great people. 

¹⁷The first to state his case seems right 

⸤until⸥ his neighbor comes to cross-examine him. 

¹⁸Flipping a coin ends quarrels 

and settles ⸤issues⸥ between powerful people. 

¹⁹An offended brother is more ⸤resistant⸥ than a strong city, 

and disputes are like the locked gate of a castle tower. 

²⁰A person’s speaking ability provides for his stomach. 

His talking provides him a living. 

²¹The tongue has the power of life and death, 

and those who love to talk will have to eat their own words. 

²²Whoever finds a wife finds something good 

and has obtained favor from the Lord. 

²³A poor person is timid when begging, 

but a rich person is blunt when replying. 

²⁴Friends can destroy one another,^a

but a loving friend can stick closer than family.