Proverbs 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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Proverbs 18: HCSB

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Proverbs 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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