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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GOD'S WORD® Translation ©1995, 2003, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2020 by God's Word to the Nations Mission Society. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 18
18
1Some people like to do things their own way, and they get upset when people give them advice.
2Fools don’t want to learn from others. They only want to tell their own ideas.
3Do something evil, and people will hate you. Do something shameful, and they will have no respect for you.
4Words from wise people are like water bubbling up from a deep well—the well of wisdom.
5You must be fair in judging others. It is wrong to favor the guilty and rob the innocent of justice.
6Fools say things to start arguments. They are just asking for a beating.
7Fools hurt themselves when they speak. Their own words trap them.
8People love to hear gossip. It is like tasty food on its way to the stomach.
9Someone who does careless work is as bad as someone who destroys things.
10The name of the Lord is like a strong tower. Those who do what is right can run to him for protection.
11The rich think their wealth will protect them. They think it is a strong fortress.
12A proud person will soon be ruined, but a humble person will be honored.
13Let people finish speaking before you try to answer them. That way you will not embarrass yourself and look foolish.
14A good attitude will support you when you are sick, but if you give up, nothing can help.#18:14 help Literally, “lift up” or “heal.”
15Wise people want to learn more, so they listen closely to gain knowledge.
16Gifts can open many doors and help you meet important people.
17The first person to speak always seems right until someone comes and asks the right questions.
18The best way to settle an argument between two powerful people may be to use lots.
19An insulted brother is harder to win back than a city with strong walls. Arguments separate people like the strong bars of a palace gate.
20Your words can be as satisfying as fruit, as pleasing as the food that fills your stomach.
21The tongue can speak words that bring life or death. Those who love to talk must be ready to accept what it brings.
22If you find a wife, you have found something good. She shows that the Lord is happy with you.
23The poor are polite when they beg for help. The rich are rude with their answer.
24Some friends are fun to be with,#18:24 Some friends … with Or “Some friends can bring disaster.” but a true friend can be better than a brother.
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