Proverbs 18

¹⁸The one who lives alone is self-indulgent,

showing contempt for all sound judgment.^f

²A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,

but only in expressing personal opinion.^*

³When wickedness comes, contempt comes also,

and with dishonor comes disgrace.

⁴The words of the mouth are deep waters;

the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.^*

⁵It is not right to be partial to the guilty

or to subvert the innocent in judgment.^*

⁶A fool’s lips bring strife,

and a fool’s mouth invites a flogging.

⁷The mouths of fools are their ruin,

and their lips a snare to themselves.^*

⁸The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;

they go down into the inner parts of the body.^*

⁹One who is slack in work

is close kin to a vandal.^*

¹⁰The name of the Lord is a strong tower;

the righteous run into it and are safe.^*

¹¹The wealth of the rich is their strong city;

in their imagination it is like a high wall.^*

¹²Before destruction one’s heart is haughty,

but humility goes before honor.^*

¹³If one gives answer before hearing,

it is folly and shame.^*

¹⁴The human spirit will endure sickness,

but a broken spirit—who can bear?

¹⁵An intelligent mind acquires knowledge,

and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

¹⁶A gift opens doors;

it gives access to the great.^*

¹⁷The one who first states a case seems right,

until the other comes and cross-examines.

¹⁸Casting the lot puts an end to disputes

and decides between powerful contenders.^*

¹⁹An ally offended is stronger than a city;^g

such quarreling is like the bars of a castle.

²⁰From the fruit of the mouth one’s stomach is satisfied;

the yield of the lips brings satisfaction.^*

²¹Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

and those who love it will eat its fruits.^*

²²He who finds a wife finds a good thing

and obtains favor from the Lord.^*

²³The poor use entreaties,

but the rich answer roughly.^*

²⁴Some^h friends play at friendship,ⁱ

but a true friend sticks closer than one’s sibling.^*