Proverbs 18

KING JAMES BIBLE	NEW AMERICAN BIBLE
1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.	1 In estrangement one seeks pretexts: with all persistence he picks a quarrel.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.	2 The fool takes no delight in understanding, but rather in displaying what he thinks.
3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.	3 With wickedness comes contempt, and with disgrace comes scorn.
4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.	4 The words from a man's mouth are deep waters, but the source of wisdom is a flowing brook.
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.	5 It is not good to be partial to the guilty, and so to reject a rightful claim.
6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.	6 The fool's lips lead him into strife, and his mouth provokes a beating.
7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.	7 The fool's mouth is his ruin; his lips are a snare to his life.
8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.	8 The words of a talebearer are like dainty morsels that sink into one's inmost being.
9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.	9 The man who is slack in his work is own brother to the man who is destructive.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.	10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the just man runs to it and is safe.
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.	11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city; he fancies it a high wall.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.	12 Before his downfall a man's heart is haughty, but humility goes before honors.
13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.	13 He who answers before he hears-- his is the folly and the shame.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?	14 A man's spirit sustains him in infirmity-- but a broken spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.	15 The mind of the intelligent gains knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.	16 A man's gift clears the way for him, and gains him access to great men.
17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.	17 The man who pleads his case first seems to be in the right; then his opponent comes and puts him to the test.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.	18 The lot puts an end to disputes, and is decisive in a controversy between the mighty.
19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.	19 A brother is a better defense than a strong city, and a friend is like the bars of a castle.
20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.	20 From the fruit of his mouth a man has his fill; with the yield of his lips he sates himself.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.	21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who make it a friend shall eat its fruit.
22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.	22 He who finds a wife finds happiness; it is a favor he receives from the LORD.
23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.	23 The poor man implores, but the rich man answers harshly.
24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.	24 Some friends bring ruin on us, but a true friend is more loyal than a brother.