Proverbs 18:1-24
18 One isolating himself will seek [his own] selfish longing;+ against all practical wisdom he will break forth.+
2 Anyone stupid finds no delight in discernment,+ except that his heart should uncover itself.+
3 When a wicked one comes in, contempt also must come in;+ and along with dishonor+ there is reproach.
4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters.+ The well of wisdom is a torrent bubbling forth.+
5 The showing of partiality to the wicked one is not good,+ nor the turning aside of the righteous one in judgment.+
6 The lips of one who is stupid enter into quarreling,+ and his very mouth calls even for strokes.+
7 The mouth of the stupid one is the ruin of him,+ and his lips are a snare for his soul.+
8 The words of the slanderer are like things to be swallowed greedily,+ which do go down into the innermost parts of the belly.+
9 Also, the one showing himself slack in his work+—he is a brother to the one causing ruin.*+
10 The name of Jehovah is a strong tower.+ Into it the righteous runs and is given protection.*+
11 The valuable things of the rich are his strong town,+ and they are like a protective wall in his imagination.+
12 Before a crash the heart of a man is lofty,+ and before glory there is humility.+
13 When anyone is replying to a matter before he hears [it],+ that is foolishness on his part and a humiliation.+
14 The spirit of a man* can put up with his malady;+ but as for a stricken spirit, who can bear it?+
15 The heart of the understanding one acquires knowledge,+ and the ear of wise ones seeks to find knowledge.+
16 A man’s gift* will make a large opening for him,+ and it will lead him even before great people.+
17 The one first in his legal case is righteous;+ his fellow comes in and certainly searches him through.+
18 The lot puts even contentions to rest,+ and it separates even the mighty from one another.+
19 A brother who is transgressed against is more than a strong town;+ and there are contentions that are like the bar of a dwelling tower.+
20 From the fruitage of a man’s* mouth his belly will be satisfied;+ he will be satisfied even with the produce of his lips.+
21 Death and life are in the power* of the tongue,+ and he that is loving it will eat its fruitage.+
22 Has one found a [good]* wife?+ One has found a good thing,+ and one gets goodwill from Jehovah.+
23 Entreaties the one of little means speaks out,+ but one that is rich answers in a strong way.+
24 There exist* companions disposed to break one another to pieces,+ but there exists a friend sticking closer than a brother.+
Footnotes
^ Lit., “to the lord of ruin.”
^ Lit., “is put on high,” that is, out of reach, safe.
^ “The spirit of a man.” Heb., ru·ach-ʼishʹ.
^ Lit., “A gift of an earthling man.” Heb., mat·tanʹ ʼa·dhamʹ.
^ “Man’s.” Heb., ʼish.
^ Lit., “in [the] hand of.” Heb., beyadhʹ.
^ “Good,” LXXSyVgc and one Heb. ms; M omits.
^ “There exist,” TSy; M, “A man of.”
