Proverbs 18

1Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.WEBA man who isolates himself pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment.

2A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.WEBA fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion.

3When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.WEBWhen wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and with shame comes disgrace.

4The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.WEBThe words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.

5It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.WEBTo be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, nor to deprive the innocent of justice.

6A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.WEBA fool’s lips come into strife, and his mouth invites beatings.

7A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.WEBA fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

8The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.WEBThe words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: they go down into a person’s innermost parts.

9He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.WEBOne who is slack in his work is brother to him who is a master of destruction.

10The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.WEBYahweh’s name is a strong tower: the righteous run to him, and are safe.

11The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.WEBThe rich man’s wealth is his strong city, like an unscalable wall in his own imagination.

12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.WEBBefore destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility.

13He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.WEBHe who answers before he hears, that is folly and shame to him.

14The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?WEBA man’s spirit will sustain him in sickness, but a crushed spirit, who can bear?

15The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.WEBThe heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.WEBA man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.

17He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.WEBHe who pleads his cause first seems right— until another comes and questions him.

18The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.WEBThe lot settles disputes, and keeps strong ones apart.

19A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.WEBA brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city. Disputes are like the bars of a fortress.

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

21Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.WEBDeath and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit.

22Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.WEBWhoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of Yahweh.

23The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.WEBThe poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.

24A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.WEBA man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.