Proverbs 18

DOUAI-RHEIMS	NEW AMERICAN BIBLE
1 He that hath a mind to depart from a friend seeketh occasions: he shall ever be subject to reproach.	1 In estrangement one seeks pretexts: with all persistence he picks a quarrel.
2 A fool receiveth not the words of prudence: unless thou say those things which are in his heart.	2 The fool takes no delight in understanding, but rather in displaying what he thinks.
3 The wicked man when he is come into the depth of sine, contemneth: but ignominy and reproach follow him.	3 With wickedness comes contempt, and with disgrace comes scorn.
4 Words from the mouth of a men are as deep water: and the fountain of wisdom as an overflowing 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 accept the person of the wicked, to decline from the truth of judgment.	5 It is not good to be partial to the guilty, and so to reject a rightful claim.
6 The lips of a fool intermeddle with strife: and his mouth provoketh quarrels.	6 The fool's lips lead him into strife, and his mouth provokes a beating.
7 The mouth of a fool is his destruction: and his lips are the ruin of his soul.	7 The fool's mouth is his ruin; his lips are a snare to his life.
8 The words of the double tongued are as if they were harmless: and they reach even to the inner parts of the bowels. Fear casteth down the slothful: and the souls of the effeminate shall be hungry.	8 The words of a talebearer are like dainty morsels that sink into one's inmost being.
9 He that is loose and slack in his work, is the brother of him that wasteth his own works.	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 just runneth to it, and shall be exalted.	10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the just man runs to it and is safe.
11 The substance of the rich man is the city of his strength, and as a strong wall compassing him about.	11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city; he fancies it a high wall.
12 Before destruction, the heart of a man is exalted: and before he be glorified, it is humbled.	12 Before his downfall a man's heart is haughty, but humility goes before honors.
13 He that answereth before he heareth sheweth himself to be a fool, and worthy of confusion.	13 He who answers before he hears-- his is the folly and the shame.
14 The spirit of a man upholdeth his infirmity: but a spirit that is easily angered, who can bear?	14 A man's spirit sustains him in infirmity-- but a broken spirit who can bear?
15 A wise heart shall acquire knowledge: and the ear of the wise seeketh instruction.	15 The mind of the intelligent gains knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A man's gift enlargeth his may, and maketh him room before princes.	16 A man's gift clears the way for him, and gains him access to great men.
17 The just is first accuser of himself: his friend cometh, and shall search 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 suppresseth contentions, and determineth even between the mighty.	18 The lot puts an end to disputes, and is decisive in a controversy between the mighty.
19 A brother that is helped by his brother, is like a strong city: and judgments are like the bars of cities.	19 A brother is a better defense than a strong city, and a friend is like the bars of a castle.
20 Of the fruit of a man's mouth shall his belly be satisfied: and the offspring of his lips shall fill him.	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: they that love it, shall eat the fruits thereof.	21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who make it a friend shall eat its fruit.
22 He that hath found a good wife, hath found a good thing, and shall receive a pleasure from the Lord. He that driveth away a good wife, driveth away a good thing: but he that keepeth an adulteress, is foolish and wicked.	22 He who finds a wife finds happiness; it is a favor he receives from the LORD.
23 The poor will speak with supplications, and the rich will speak roughly.	23 The poor man implores, but the rich man answers harshly.
24 A man amiable in society, shall be more friendly than a brother.	24 Some friends bring ruin on us, but a true friend is more loyal than a brother.