Proverbs 18:17-24

English Standard Version

¹⁷ The one who states his case first seems right,
    until the other comes and examines him.
^18 (A)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 (B)From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied;
    he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
^21 (C)Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
    and those who love it will eat its fruits.
²² He who finds ^(D)a wife finds ^(E)a good thing
    and ^(F)obtains favor ^(G)from the Lord.
²³ The poor use entreaties,
    but ^(H)the rich answer roughly.
²⁴ A man of many companions may come to ruin,
    but ^(I)there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.