Proverbs - Chapter 18

1He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense. 2A foolish man has no pleasure in good sense, but only to let what is in his heart come to light. 3When the evil-doer comes, a low opinion comes with him, and with the loss of honour comes shame. 4The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters: the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream. 5To have respect for the person of the evil-doer is not good, or to give a wrong decision against the upright. 6A foolish man's lips are a cause of fighting, and his mouth makes him open to blows. 7The mouth of a foolish man is his destruction, and his lips are a net for his soul. 8The words of one who says evil of his neighbour secretly are like sweet food, and go down into the inner parts of the stomach. 9He who does not give his mind to his work is brother to him who makes destruction. 10The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the upright man running into it is safe. 11The property of a man of wealth is his strong town, and it is as a high wall in the thoughts of his heart. 12Before destruction the heart of man is full of pride, and before honour goes a gentle spirit. 13To give an answer before hearing is a foolish thing and a cause of shame. 14The spirit of a man will be his support when he is ill; but how may a broken spirit be lifted up? 15The heart of the man of good sense gets knowledge; the ear of the wise is searching for knowledge. 16A man's offering makes room for him, letting him come before great men. 17The man who first puts his cause before the judge seems to be in the right; but then his neighbour comes and puts his cause in its true light. 18The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong. 19A brother wounded is like a strong town, and violent acts are like a locked tower. 20With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be full; the produce of his lips will be his in full measure. 21Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those to whom it is dear will have its fruit for their food. 22Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord. 23The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer. 24There are friends who may be a man's destruction, but there is a lover who keeps nearer than a brother.