Proverbs 18
18
1The one who lives alone is self-indulgent,
showing contempt for all who have sound judgment.#18.1 Meaning of Heb uncertain
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;#18.19 Gk Syr Vg Tg: Meaning of Heb uncertain
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#18.24 Syr Tg: Heb A man of friends play at friendship#18.24 Cn Compare Syr Vg Tg: Meaning of Heb uncertain
but a true friend sticks closer than one's nearest kin.
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Proverbs 18: NRSV-CI
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New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989 Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.