Proverbs 18
[1] Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire;
he breaks out against all sound judgment.
[2] A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,
but only in expressing his opinion.
[3] When wickedness comes, contempt comes also,
and with dishonor comes 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 be partial to the wicked
or to deprive the righteous of justice.
[6] A fool’s lips walk into a fight,
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 whisperer are like delicious morsels;
they go down into the inner parts of the body.
[9] Whoever is slack in his work
is a brother to him who destroys.
[10] The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
[11] A rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
and like a high wall in his imagination.
[12] Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty,
but humility comes before honor.
[13] If one gives an answer before he hears,
it is his folly and shame.
[14] A man’s spirit will endure sickness,
but a crushed spirit who can bear?
[15] An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
[16] A man’s gift makes room for him
and brings him before the great.
[17] The one who states his case first seems right,
until the other comes and examines him.
[18] The lot puts an end to quarrels
and decides between powerful contenders.
[19] A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city,
and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
[20] From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied;
he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
[21] Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits.
[22] He who finds a wife finds a good thing
and obtains favor from the LORD.
[23] The poor use entreaties,
but the rich answer roughly.
[24] A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (ESV)
