Proverbs 18:13-24

English Standard Version

¹³ If one gives an answer ^(A)before he hears,
    it is his folly and shame.
¹⁴ A man's spirit will endure sickness,
    but ^(B)a crushed spirit who can bear?
¹⁵ An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,
    and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
¹⁶ A man's ^(C)gift makes room for him
    and brings him before the great.
¹⁷ The one who states his case first seems right,
    until the other comes and examines him.
^18 (D)The lot puts an end to quarrels
    and decides between powerful contenders.
¹⁹ A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city,
    and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
^20 (E)From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied;
    he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
^21 (F)Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
    and those who love it will eat its fruits.
²² He who finds ^(G)a wife finds ^(H)a good thing
    and ^(I)obtains favor ^(J)from the Lord.
²³ The poor use entreaties,
    but ^(K)the rich answer roughly.
²⁴ A man of many companions may come to ruin,
    but ^(L)there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.