Proverbs 18
18
It's Wrong To Favor the Guilty
1It's selfish and stupid
to think only of yourself
and to sneer at people
who have sense.#18.1 sense: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 1.
2Fools have no desire to learn,
instead they would rather
give their own opinion.
3Wrongdoing leads to shame
and disgrace.
4Words of wisdom
are a stream that flows
from a deep fountain.
5It's wrong to favor the guilty
and keep the innocent
from getting justice.
6Foolish talk will get you
into a lot of trouble.
7Saying foolish things
is like setting a trap
to destroy yourself.
8There's nothing so delicious
as the taste of gossip!
It melts in your mouth.
9Being lazy is no different
from being a troublemaker.
10The Lord is a mighty tower
where his people can run
for safety—
11the rich think their money
is a wall of protection.
12Pride leads to destruction;
humility leads to honor.
13 #
Si 11.8. It's stupid and embarrassing
to give an answer
before you listen.
14Being cheerful helps
when you are sick,
but nothing helps
when you give up.
15Everyone with good sense
wants to learn.
16A gift will get you in
to see anyone.
17You may think you have won
your case in court,
until your opponent speaks.
18Drawing straws is one way
to settle a difficult case.
19Making up with a friend
you have offended#18.19 Making … offended: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
is harder than breaking
through a city wall.
20Make your words good—
you will be glad you did.
21Words can bring death or life!
Talk too much, and you will eat
everything you say.
22 #
Si 26.1-4. A man's greatest treasure
is his wife—
she is a gift from the Lord.
23The poor must beg for help,
but the rich can give
a harsh reply.
24Some friends don't help,#18.24 Some … help: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
but a true friend is closer
than your own family.
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Proverbs 18: CEV
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Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®)
© 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 18
18
1One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires;
he rebels against all sound judgment.
2A fool does not delight in understanding,
but only wants to show off his opinions. # Lit to uncover his heart # Pr 12:23; 13:16; Ec 10:3
3When a wicked man comes, contempt also does,
and along with dishonor, disgrace.
4The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters, # Pr 20:5
a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom. # Or waters; a fountain of wisdom is a flowing river.
5It is not good to show partiality to the guilty # Lv 19:15; Dt 1:17; 24:17; Ps 15:5; 82:2; Pr 24:23-24; 28:21
by perverting the justice due the innocent. # Pr 17:15
6A fool’s lips lead to strife,
and his mouth provokes a beating. # Pr 19:29
7A fool’s mouth is his devastation,
and his lips are a trap for his life. # Ps 64:8; 140:9; Pr 10:14; 12:13; 13:3; Ec 10:12
8A gossip’s words are like choice food
that goes down to one’s innermost being. # Lit to the chambers of the belly # Pr 26:22
9The one who is truly lazy in his work
is brother to a vandal. # Lit master of destruction # Pr 28:24
10The name of Yahweh is a strong tower; # Ps 18:2; 61:3; 91:2; 144:2
the righteous run to it and are protected. # Lit raised high # Pr 29:25
11A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city;
in his imagination it is like a high wall. # Pr 10:15
12Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, # Pr 16:18
but humility comes before honor. # Pr 11:2; 15:33; 29:23
13The one who gives an answer before he listens —
this is foolishness and disgrace for him. # Pr 15:28
14A man’s spirit can endure sickness,
but who can survive a broken spirit? # Pr 15:13; 17:22
15The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks it. # Pr 14:33; 15:14
16A gift opens doors # Lit gift makes room for a man
and brings him before the great. # Gn 32:20; 1Sm 25:27; Pr 17:8; 19:6; 21:14
17The first to state his case seems right
until another comes and cross-examines him. # 1Kg 3:16-28
18Casting the lot # Pr 16:33 ends quarrels
and separates powerful opponents.
19An offended brother is harder to reach # LXX, Syr, Tg, Vg read is stronger
than a fortified city,
and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.
20From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is satisfied;
he is filled with the product of his lips. # Pr 1:31; 12:14; 14:14
21Life and death are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruit. # Pr 13:2; Mt 12:37; 15:11,18-20; Jms 3:8
22A man who finds a wife finds a good thing # Pr 12:4; 19:14; 31:10-31
and obtains favor from the Lord. # Pr 8:35
23The poor man pleads, # Pr 19:7
but the rich one answers roughly. # Jms 2:6
24A man with many friends may be harmed, # Some LXX mss, Syr, Tg, Vg read friends must be friendly
but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother. # Pr 17:17; 27:10; Jn 15:13
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