Proverbs 18
18
1He who is estranged#18.1 Heb separated seeks pretexts#18.1 Gk Vg: Heb desire
to break out against all sound judgment.
2A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,
but only in expressing his opinion.
3When wickedness comes, contempt comes also;
and with dishonor comes disgrace.
4The words of a man's mouth are deep waters;
the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.
5It is not good to be partial to a wicked man,
or to deprive a righteous man of justice.
6A fool's lips bring strife,
and his mouth invites a flogging.
7A fool's mouth is his ruin,
and his lips are a snare to himself.
8The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
they go down into the inner parts of the body.
9He who is slack in his work
is a brother to him who destroys.
10The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
11A rich man's wealth is his strong city,
and like a high wall protecting him.#18.11 Or in his imagination
12Before destruction a man's heart is haughty,
but humility goes before honor.
13If one gives answer before he hears,
it is his folly and shame.
14A man's 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 man's gift makes room for him
and brings him before great men.
17He who states his case first seems right,
until the other comes and examines him.
18The lot puts an end to disputes
and decides between powerful contenders.
19A brother helped is like a strong city,#18.19 Gk Syr Vg Tg: The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain
but quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
20From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied;
he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
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.
24There are#18.24 Syr Tg: Heb A man of friends who pretend to be friends,#18.24 Cn Compare Syr Vg Tg: Heb to be broken
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
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Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America
Proverbs 18
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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