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
It's wrong to favour 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;
they would much 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 favour 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 honour.
13It's stupid and embarrassing
to give an answer
before you listen.
14Being cheerful helps
when we are sick,
but nothing helps
when we 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.
22A 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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© British and Foreign Bible Society 2012