Proverbs 18

¹ He who is estranged seeks pretexts to break 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 gushing stream.

⁵ It is not good to be partial to a wicked man, or to deprive a righteous man of justice.

⁶ A fool's lips bring strife, and his mouth invites a flogging.

⁷ A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to himself.

⁸ The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.

⁹ He who 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 protecting him.

¹² Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility goes before honor.

¹³ If one gives answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

¹⁴ A man's spirit will endure sickness; but a broken spirit who can bear?

¹⁵ An intelligent mind acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

¹⁶ A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.

¹⁷ He who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.

¹⁸ The lot puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders.

¹⁹ A brother helped is like a strong city, but quarreling is like the bars of a castle.

²⁰ From the fruit of his mouth a man 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 There are friends who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.