Proverbs, 18

¹ Whoever isolates himself pursues his own selfish desires; He rejects^*1 all practical wisdom.

² A stupid person takes no pleasure in understanding; He would rather disclose what is in his heart.

³ When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes, And along with dishonor there is disgrace.

⁴ The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

⁵ It is not good to show partiality to the wicked one Or to deprive the righteous one of justice.

⁶ The speech of the stupid one leads to quarrels, And his mouth invites a beating.

⁷ The mouth of the stupid is his ruin, And his lips are a snare for his life.^*1

⁸ The words of a slanderer are like tasty morsels;^*1 They are gulped right down into the stomach.

⁹ Whoever is lazy in his work Is a brother to the one who causes ruin.

¹⁰ The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous one runs and receives protection.^*1

¹¹ The wealth of the rich is his fortified city; It is like a protective wall in his imagination.

¹² Before a crash a man’s heart is lofty, And before glory there is humility.

¹³ When anyone replies to a matter before he hears the facts, It is foolish and humiliating.

¹⁴ A person’s spirit can sustain him through illness, But who can bear a crushed spirit?^*1

¹⁵ The heart of the understanding one acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks to find knowledge.

¹⁶ A man’s gift opens the way for him; It gives him access to great people.

¹⁷ The first to state his case seems right, Until the other party comes and cross-examines him.^*1

¹⁸ Casting lots puts an end to disputes And decides between^*1 strong opponents.

¹⁹ A brother offended is more unyielding than a fortified city, And there are disputes like the bars of a fortress.

²⁰ From the fruitage of a man’s speech^*1 his stomach will be filled; He will be satisfied with what his lips produce.

²¹ Death and life are in the power of the tongue; Those who love to use it will eat its fruitage.

²² The one who finds a good wife has found something good, And he receives Jehovah’s favor.^*1

²³ The poor man implores when speaking, But the rich man answers harshly.

²⁴ There are companions ready to crush one another, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.