Proverbs 18

1Those who isolate themselves pursue their desires;They disdain all competence.

2Fools do not desire understanding,But only to air their thoughts.

3Along with the wicked comes derision,And with rogues, contempt.

4The words a person speaks are deep waters,A flowing stream, a fountain of wisdom.

5It is not right to be partial to the guiltyAnd subvert the innocent in judgment.

6The words of fools lead to strife;Their speech invites blows.

7The fools’ speech is their ruin;Their words are a trap for them.

8The words of a grumbler are bruising; They penetrate one’s inmost parts.

9One who is slack at workIs akin to a vandal.

10GOD’s name is a tower of strengthTo which the righteous run and are safe.

11The wealth of the rich is their fortress;In their fancy it is a protective wall.

12Before ruin a person’s heart is proud;Humility goes before honor.

13To answer before listening—This is foolish and disgraceful.

14A person’s spirit can endure an illness;But low spirits—who can bear them?

15The mind of an intelligent person acquires knowledge;The ears of the wise seek out knowledge.

16A gift eases a person’s wayAnd gives access to the great.

17The first to speak in court seems rightTill the other party cross-examines.

18The lot puts an end to strifeAnd separates those locked in dispute.

19A sibling offended is more formidable than a stronghold;Such strife is like the bars of a fortress.

20A man’s belly is filled by the fruit of his mouth;He will be filled by the produce of his lips.

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

22He who finds a wife has found happinessAnd has won GOD’s favor.

23The pauper speaks in terms of mercy;The rich person’s answer is harsh.

24There are companions to keep one company,And there is a friend more devoted than a sibling.