Proverbs 18

1Whoever isolates himself pursues his own desires; he breaks out against all sound judgment.

2A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in airing what is in his heart.

3When a wicked person comes, contempt comes too, and with dishonor comes disgrace.

4The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a flowing stream.

5It is not good to show favor to the wicked, or to deny the righteous justice.

6A fool’s lips walk into a quarrel, and his mouth invites a beating.

7A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a trap for his life.

8The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down into the inner depths of the body.

9Whoever is slack in his work is also a brother to the one who destroys.

10The name of Yahweh is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are kept safe.

11A rich person’s wealth is his fortified city, and in his imagination it is like a high wall.

12Before destruction a person’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.

13Whoever answers before he listens—that is folly and shame to him.

14A person’s spirit can endure sickness, but a crushed spirit—who can bear it?

15A discerning heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16A person’s gift opens the way for him and brings him before the great.

17The first to state his case seems right, until the other comes and questions him.

18The lot puts an end to disputes and separates powerful opponents.

19An offended brother is harder to win than a strong city, and disputes are like the bars of a fortress.

20A person’s stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth; he is satisfied with the harvest of his lips.

21Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

22Whoever finds a wife finds something good and obtains favor from Yahweh.

23The poor person pleads for mercy, but the rich one answers harshly.

24A person with many companions may be brought to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.