Proverbs 18:2-21
English Standard Version
2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,
but only (A)in expressing his opinion.
3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also,
and with dishonor comes disgrace.
4 The words of a man's mouth are (B)deep waters;
the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5 It is not good to (C)be partial to[a] the wicked
or to (D)deprive the righteous of justice.
6 A fool's lips walk into a fight,
and his mouth invites (E)a beating.
7 (F)A fool's mouth is his ruin,
and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 (G)The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
they go down into (H)the inner parts of the body.
9 Whoever is slack in his work
is a (I)brother to him who destroys.
10 (J)The name of the Lord is (K)a strong tower;
the righteous man runs into it and (L)is safe.
11 (M)A rich man's wealth is his strong city,
and like a high wall in his imagination.
12 (N)Before destruction a man's heart is haughty,
but (O)humility comes before honor.
13 If one gives an answer (P)before he hears,
it is his folly and shame.
14 A man's spirit will endure sickness,
but (Q)a crushed spirit who can bear?
15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A man's (R)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 (S)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 (T)From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied;
he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
21 (U)Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 18:5 Hebrew to lift the face of
Proverbs 18:2-21
New International Version
2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding
but delight in airing their own opinions.(A)
3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt,
and with shame comes reproach.
4 The words of the mouth are deep waters,(B)
but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.
6 The lips of fools bring them strife,
and their mouths invite a beating.(E)
8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to the inmost parts.(H)
9 One who is slack in his work
is brother to one who destroys.(I)
11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city;(L)
they imagine it a wall too high to scale.
12 Before a downfall the heart is haughty,
but humility comes before honor.(M)
13 To answer before listening—
that is folly and shame.(N)
14 The human spirit can endure in sickness,
but a crushed spirit who can bear?(O)
15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,(P)
for the ears of the wise seek it out.
16 A gift(Q) opens the way
and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.
17 In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right,
until someone comes forward and cross-examines.
18 Casting the lot settles disputes(R)
and keeps strong opponents apart.
19 A brother wronged(S) is more unyielding than a fortified city;
disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
20 From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled;
with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.(T)
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