Proverbs 18

EasyEnglish Bible

18 People who do not have any friends think only about themselves.
    They refuse to listen to good advice.
² A fool does not try to understand what is right.
    He only likes to tell people his own ideas.
³ When a wicked person arrives, shame comes with him.
    And shame causes people to speak against you.
⁴ The words that you speak are like the deep water of the sea.
    If they are wise words, they are like a cool stream.
⁵ Do not refuse to punish wicked people. That would not be good.
    Also, do not punish anyone who has not done anything wrong.
⁶ When a fool speaks, he starts an argument.
    He is asking for someone to beat him with a stick.
⁷ When a fool speaks, he is destroying himself.
    His own words are a trap that catches him.
⁸ We love to hear other people's secrets.
    They seem like good food that we can enjoy.
⁹ A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.
¹⁰ The name of the Lord is like a strong tower.
    Righteous people can run there, and then they will be safe.
¹¹ Rich people think that their money makes them safe,
    like high, strong walls round a city.
¹² If you become proud, something will soon destroy you.
    But if you are humble, you will soon receive honour.
¹³ Listen carefully before you answer.
    If you answer too quickly, you will be ashamed like a fool.
¹⁴ When someone is ill, his spirit will keep him strong.
    But if his spirit has lost hope, he cannot stay strong.
¹⁵ Wise people are always learning something new.
¹⁶ A gift will give you a chance to meet new people.
    Important people may become your friends.
¹⁷ You will always believe the first person to speak in court,
    until the other person starts to ask him questions.
¹⁸ If two powerful people have an argument,
    you may have to throw dice to decide who is right.
¹⁹ If you insult a relative,
    it will be difficult to become friends with him again.
Arguments keep people apart,
    like the walls of a strong city.
²⁰ If you speak words that help people,
    they are like good food.
²¹ Words have the power to bring life or death.
    So be careful if you talk a lot!
²² If you find a wife, you find a good thing.
    The Lord has given you something to enjoy.
²³ A poor person has to ask for help.
    But a rich person can insult people.
²⁴ A man with many friends may lose them.
    But there is a friend who is more faithful than a brother.