Proverbs 18

1Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.

2A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in revealing his heart.

3When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes, and with dishonor comes reproach.

4The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a flowing brook.

5To show partiality to the wicked is not good, nor to deprive the righteous of justice.

6A fool’s lips enter into strife, and his mouth calls for blows.

7A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his life.

8The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels, and they go down into the inner chambers of the belly.

9Even one who is slack in his work is brother to a destroyer.

10The name of Yahweh is a strong tower; a righteous person runs into it and is safe.

11A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination.

12Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, and before honor comes humility.

13When a man answers a matter before hearing it, it is folly and shame to him.

14A man's spirit can sustain him in sickness, but a crushed spirit—who can bear it?

15An understanding heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.

17The first to present his case seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him.

18The lot puts an end to disputes and separates the powerful.

19An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and quarrels are like the bar of a citadel.

20A man's stomach is satisfied by the fruit of his mouth; he is satisfied by the produce of his lips.

21Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

22He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from Yahweh.

23The poor man pleads, but the rich man answers harshly.

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