Proverbs 18

1He that separateth himself seeketh his own desire, rageth against all sound wisdom.

2A fool hath no delight in understanding, But only that his heart may reveal itself.

3When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, cometh reproach.

4The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is as a flowing brook.

5To respect the person of the wicked is not good, Nor to turn aside the righteous in judgment.

6A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calleth for stripes.

7A fool’s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.

8The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.

9He also that is slack in his work Is brother to him that is a destroyer.

10The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; is safe.

11The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And as a high wall in his own imagination.

12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; goeth humility.

13He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him.

14The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; bear?

15The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

16A man’s gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men.

17He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out.

18The lot causeth contentions to cease, And parteth between the mighty.

19A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; such contentions are like the bars of a castle.

20A man’s belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied.

21Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

22Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favor of Jehovah.

23The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly.

24__a__FOOTNOTE__a__ Proverbs 18:24 Hebrew A man of friends. __b__FOOTNOTE__b__ He that maketh many friends doeth it to his own destruction; __a__FOOTNOTE__a__ Proverbs 18:24 Hebrew lover. __b__FOOTNOTE__b__ friend that sticketh closer than a brother.