Proverbs 18

1. Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

2. A fool hath no delight in understanding, unless his heart may discover itself.

3. When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt; and with ignominy, reproach.

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

5. It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

6. A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for blows.

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

8. The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

9. He that is slothful in his work is a brother to him that is a great waster.

10. The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it and is safe.

11. The rich man’s wealth is his stronghold, and as a high wall in his own conceit.

12. Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility.

13. He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

14. The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit, who can bear?

15. The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

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

17. He that first states his own cause seemeth just, but then his neighbor cometh and searcheth him.

18. Casting lots causeth contentions to cease, and parteth the strife of the mighty.

19. An offended brother is harder to be won back than a stronghold city, and his contentions are like the bars of a castle.

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

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

22. Whosoever findeth a wife findeth a good thing and obtaineth the favor of the Lord.

23. The poor useth entreaties, but the rich answereth roughly.

24. A man that hath friends must show himself friendly, and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.