Proverbs 18

¹The one who lives alone is self-indulgent,

showing contempt for all who have sound judgment.

²A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,

but only in expressing personal opinion.

³When wickedness comes, contempt comes also;

and with dishonor comes disgrace.

⁴The words of the mouth are deep waters;

the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.

⁵It is not right to be partial to the guilty,

or to subvert the innocent in judgment.

⁶A fool’s lips bring strife,

and a fool’s mouth invites a flogging.

⁷The mouths of fools are their ruin,

and their lips a snare to themselves.

⁸The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;

they go down into the inner parts of the body.

⁹One who is slack in work

is close kin to a vandal.

¹⁰The name of the Lord is a strong tower;

the righteous run into it and are safe.

¹¹The wealth of the rich is their strong city;

in their imagination it is like a high wall.

¹²Before destruction one’s heart is haughty,

but humility goes before honor.

¹³If one gives answer before hearing,

it is folly and shame.

¹⁴The human spirit will endure sickness;

but a broken spirit—who can bear?

¹⁵An intelligent mind acquires knowledge,

and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

¹⁶A gift opens doors;

it gives access to the great.

¹⁷The one who first states a case seems right,

until the other comes and cross-examines.

¹⁸Casting the lot puts an end to disputes

and decides between powerful contenders.

¹⁹An ally offended is stronger than a city;

such quarreling is like the bars of a castle.

²⁰From the fruit of the mouth one’s stomach is satisfied;

the yield of the lips brings satisfaction.

²¹Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

and those who love it will eat its fruits.

²²He who finds a wife finds a good thing,

and obtains favor from the Lord.

²³The poor use entreaties,

but the rich answer roughly.

²⁴Some friends play at friendship

but a true friend sticks closer than one’s nearest kin.