Proverbs 18:1-24

18  He that separateth himself seeketh his own desire, And rageth against all sound wisdom. 2  A fool hath no delight in understanding, But only that his heart may reveal itself. 3  When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, And with ignominy cometh reproach. 4  The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is as a flowing brook. 5  To respect the person of the wicked is not good, Nor to turn aside the righteous in judgment. 6  A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calleth for stripes. 7  A fool’s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul. 8  The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts. 9  He also that is slack in his work Is brother to him that is a destroyer. 10  The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; The righteous runneth into it, and is safe. 11  The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And as a high wall in his own imagination. 12  Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor goeth humility. 13  He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him. 14  The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear? 15  The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. 16  A man’s gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men. 17  He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out. 18  The lot causeth contentions to cease, And parteth between the mighty. 19  A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; And such contentions are like the bars of a castle. 20  A man’s belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied. 21  Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. 22  Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favor of Jehovah. 23  The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly. 24  He that maketh many friends doeth it to his own destruction; But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Footnotes