Proverbs 18

Contrast the Upright and the Wicked

1He who [willfully] separates himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire,

He quarrels against all sound wisdom.

2A [closed-minded] fool does not delight in understanding,

But only in revealing his personal opinions [unwittingly displaying his self-indulgence and his stupidity].

3When the wicked man comes [to the depth of evil], contempt [of all that is pure and good] also comes,

And with inner baseness (dishonor) comes outer shame (scorn).

4The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters [copious and difficult to fathom];

The fountain of [mature, godly] wisdom is like a bubbling stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving].

5To show respect to the wicked person is not good,

Nor to push aside and deprive the righteous of justice.

6A fool’s lips bring contention and strife,

And his mouth invites a beating.

7A fool’s mouth is his ruin,

And his lips are the snare of his soul.

8The words of a whisperer (gossip) are like dainty morsels [to be greedily eaten];

They go down into the innermost chambers of the body [to be remembered and mused upon].

9He who is careless in his work

Is a brother to him who destroys.

10The name of the Lord is a strong tower;

The righteous runs to it and is safe and set on high [far above evil].

11The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,

And like a high wall [of protection] in his own imagination and conceit.

12Before disaster the heart of a man is haughty and filled with self-importance,

But humility comes before honor.

13He who answers before he hears [the facts]—

It is folly and shame to him.

14The spirit of a man sustains him in sickness,

But as for a broken spirit, who can bear it?

15The mind of the prudent [always] acquires knowledge,

And the ear of the wise [always] seeks knowledge.

16A man’s gift [given in love or courtesy] makes room for him

And brings him before great men.

17The first one to plead his case seems right,

Until another comes and cross-examines him.

18 # See note 16:33. To cast lots puts an end to quarrels

And decides between powerful contenders.

19A brother offended is harder to win over than a fortified city,

And contentions [separating families] are like the bars of a castle.

20A man’s stomach will be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth;

He will be satisfied with the consequence of his words.

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

And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.

22He who finds a [#In Jewish tradition it is said that in Israel, they used to ask a man who had married, “Matsa or motse?” “Matsa” is the Hebrew for “finds” here, where a good wife is in view, and “motse” is the word for “found” (NASB “discovered”) in Eccl 7:26.true and faithful] wife finds a good thing

And obtains favor and approval from the Lord.

23The poor man pleads,

But the rich man answers roughly.

24The man of too many friends [chosen indiscriminately] will be broken in pieces and come to ruin,

But there is a [true, loving] friend who [is reliable and] sticks closer than a brother.

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Proverbs 18

1A loner is out to get what he wants for himself.

He opposes all sound reasoning.

2A fool does not find joy in understanding

but only in expressing his own opinion.

3When wickedness comes, contempt also comes,

and insult comes along with disgrace.

4The words of a person’s mouth are like deep waters.

The fountain of wisdom is an overflowing stream.

5It is not good to be partial toward a wicked person,

thereby depriving an innocent person of justice.

6By talking, a fool gets into an argument,

and his mouth invites a beating.

7A fool’s mouth is his ruin.

His lips are a trap to his soul.

8The words of a gossip are swallowed greedily,

and they go down into a person’s innermost being.

How to Avoid Fools and Foolishness

9Whoever is lazy in his work is related to a vandal.

10The name of the Lord is a strong tower.

A righteous person runs to it and is safe.

11A rich person’s wealth is his strong city

and is like a high wall in his imagination.

12Before destruction a person’s heart is arrogant,

but humility comes before honor.

13Whoever gives an answer before he listens is stupid and shameful.

14A person’s spirit can endure sickness,

but who can bear a broken spirit?

15The mind of a person who has understanding acquires knowledge.

The ears of wise people seek knowledge.

16A gift opens doors for the one who gives it

and brings him into the presence of great people.

17The first to state his case seems right

⌞until⌟ his neighbor comes to cross-examine him.

18Flipping a coin ends quarrels

and settles ⌞issues⌟ between powerful people.

19An offended brother is more ⌞resistant⌟ than a strong city,

and disputes are like the locked gate of a castle tower.

20A person’s speaking ability provides for his stomach.

His talking provides him a living.

21The tongue has the power of life and death,

and those who love to talk will have to eat their own words.

22Whoever finds a wife finds something good

and has obtained favor from the Lord.

23A poor person is timid when begging,

but a rich person is blunt when replying.

24Friends can destroy one another,#18:24 Or “A person has friends as companions.”

but a loving friend can stick closer than family.

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