Proverbs 18
1Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
2A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. +
3When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
4The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. +
5It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment. +
6A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. +
7A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
8The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
9He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
10The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. +
11The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit. +
12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility. + •Humility and Pride (Chart)
13He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. +
14The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
15The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. +
16A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. +
17He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
18The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty. +
19A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
20A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. +
21Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. +
22Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. +
23The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly. +
24A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.