Proverbs 18

The Selfishness of the Unfriendly

1 Whoever isolates himself only cares about his own opinion and fights against wisdom.

2 A fool do not care to understand; he just wants to air his opinions.

3 When wickedness shows up, contempt shows up too; with disgrace comes shame.

4 A person’s words deep waters; wisdom a flowing brook.

5 It is not right to favor the wicked or rob the innocent of justice.

6 A fool’s lips bring strife, his mouth invites a beating.

7 A fool’s mouth his ruin, his lips a trap for his soul.

8 Gossip words like tasty snacks, they go deep inside.

9 Whoever lazy in his work is brother to the destroyer.

10 The name of the Lord a strong tower; the righteous run to it and stay safe.

11 The rich think their wealth a fortress, a high wall in their imagination.

12 Before destruction, the heart gets proud, but humility comes before honor.

13 Spouting off before listening is foolish and shameful.

14 A strong spirit carries a man through sickness, but a crushed one, who can bear it,

15 The heart of the discerning seeks knowledge; the ears of the wise look for it.

16 A gift opens doors and brings you before important people.

17 The first to speak seems right, until someone cross-examines him.

18 Casting lots settles disputes and separates strong opponents.

19 An offended brother harder to win than a fortified city; quarrels like locked gates.

20 From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach filled; the harvest of his lips satisfies him.

21 Life and death in the power of the tongue, and those who love it eat its fruit.

22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and gets favor from the Lord.

23 The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.

24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.