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
Words Kill, Words Give Life
1Loners who care only for themselves
spit on the common good.
2Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse;
all they do is run off at the mouth.
3When wickedness arrives, shame’s not far behind;
contempt for life is contemptible.
4Many words rush along like rivers in flood,
but deep wisdom flows up from artesian springs.
5It’s not right to go easy on the guilty,
or come down hard on the innocent.
6The words of a fool start fights;
do him a favor and gag him.
7Fools are undone by their big mouths;
their souls are crushed by their words.
8Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy;
do you really want junk like that in your belly?
9Slack habits and sloppy work
are as bad as vandalism.
10 God’s name is a place of protection—
good people can run there and be safe.
11The rich think their wealth protects them;
they imagine themselves safe behind it.
12Pride first, then the crash,
but humility is precursor to honor.
13Answering before listening
is both stupid and rude.
14A healthy spirit conquers adversity,
but what can you do when the spirit is crushed?
15Wise men and women are always learning,
always listening for fresh insights.
16A gift gets attention;
it buys the attention of eminent people.
17The first speech in a court case is always convincing—
until the cross-examination starts!
18You may have to draw straws
when faced with a tough decision.
19Do a favor and win a friend forever;
nothing can untie that bond.
20Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach;
good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest.
21Words kill, words give life;
they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.
22Find a good spouse, you find a good life—
and even more: the favor of God!
23The poor speak in soft supplications;
the rich bark out answers.
24Friends come and friends go,
but a true friend sticks by you like family.
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THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved. Used by permission of NavPress. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers.