Proverbs 18

Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition	NEW AMERICAN BIBLE
1 He who is estranged seeks pretexts to break out against all sound judgment.	1 In estrangement one seeks pretexts: with all persistence he picks a quarrel.
2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.	2 The fool takes no delight in understanding, but rather in displaying what he thinks.
3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonor comes disgrace.	3 With wickedness comes contempt, and with disgrace comes scorn.
4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.	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 be partial to a wicked man, or to deprive a righteous man of justice.	5 It is not good to be partial to the guilty, and so to reject a rightful claim.
6 A fool's lips bring strife, and his mouth invites a flogging.	6 The fool's lips lead him into strife, and his mouth provokes a beating.
7 A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to himself.	7 The fool's mouth is his ruin; his lips are a snare to his life.
8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.	8 The words of a talebearer are like dainty morsels that sink into one's inmost being.
9 He who is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.	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 man runs 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 A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall protecting him.	11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city; he fancies it a high wall.
12 Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility goes before honor.	12 Before his downfall a man's heart is haughty, but humility goes before honors.
13 If one gives answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.	13 He who answers before he hears-- his is the folly and the shame.
14 A man's spirit will endure sickness; but a broken spirit who can bear?	14 A man's spirit sustains him in infirmity-- but a broken spirit who can bear?
15 An intelligent mind acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.	15 The mind of the intelligent gains knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.	16 A man's gift clears the way for him, and gains him access to great men.
17 He who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines 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 puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders.	18 The lot puts an end to disputes, and is decisive in a controversy between the mighty.
19 A brother helped is like a strong city, but quarreling is 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 From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.	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 those who love it will eat its fruits.	21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who make it a friend shall eat its fruit.
22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the LORD.	22 He who finds a wife finds happiness; it is a favor he receives from the LORD.
23 The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.	23 The poor man implores, but the rich man answers harshly.
24 There are friends who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.	24 Some friends bring ruin on us, but a true friend is more loyal than a brother.