Proverbs 18
GOD’S WORD Translation
18 A loner is out to get what he wants for himself.
He opposes all sound reasoning.
2 A fool does not find joy in understanding
but only in expressing his own opinion.
3 When wickedness comes, contempt also comes,
and insult comes along with disgrace.
4 The words of a person’s mouth are like deep waters.
The fountain of wisdom is an overflowing stream.
5 It is not good to be partial toward a wicked person,
thereby depriving an innocent person of justice.
6 By talking, a fool gets into an argument,
and his mouth invites a beating.
7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin.
His lips are a trap to his soul.
8 The words of a gossip are swallowed greedily,
and they go down into a person’s innermost being.
How to Avoid Fools and Foolishness
9 Whoever is lazy in his work is related to a vandal.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower.
A righteous person runs to it and is safe.
11 A rich person’s wealth is his strong city
and is like a high wall in his imagination.
12 Before destruction a person’s heart is arrogant,
but humility comes before honor.
13 Whoever gives an answer before he listens is stupid and shameful.
14 A person’s spirit can endure sickness,
but who can bear a broken spirit?
15 The mind of a person who has understanding acquires knowledge.
The ears of wise people seek knowledge.
16 A gift opens doors for the one who gives it
and brings him into the presence of great people.
17 The first to state his case seems right
⌞until⌟ his neighbor comes to cross-examine him.
18 Flipping a coin ends quarrels
and settles ⌞issues⌟ between powerful people.
19 An offended brother is more ⌞resistant⌟ than a strong city,
and disputes are like the locked gate of a castle tower.
20 A person’s speaking ability provides for his stomach.
His talking provides him a living.
21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love to talk will have to eat their own words.
22 Whoever finds a wife finds something good
and has obtained favor from the Lord.
23 A poor person is timid when begging,
but a rich person is blunt when replying.
24 Friends can destroy one another,[a]
but a loving friend can stick closer than family.
Footnotes
- 18:24 Or “A person has friends as companions.”
Proverbs 18
Contemporary English Version
It's Wrong To Favor the Guilty
18 It's selfish and stupid
to think only of yourself
and to sneer at people
who have sense.[a]
2 Fools have no desire to learn,
instead they would rather
give their own opinion.
3 Wrongdoing leads to shame
and disgrace.
4 Words of wisdom
are a stream that flows
from a deep fountain.
5 It's wrong to favor the guilty
and keep the innocent
from getting justice.
6 Foolish talk will get you
into a lot of trouble.
7 Saying foolish things
is like setting a trap
to destroy yourself.
8 There's nothing so delicious
as the taste of gossip!
It melts in your mouth.
9 Being lazy is no different
from being a troublemaker.
10 The Lord is a mighty tower
where his people can run
for safety—
11 the rich think their money
is a wall of protection.
12 Pride leads to destruction;
humility leads to honor.
13 (A) It's stupid and embarrassing
to give an answer
before you listen.
14 Being cheerful helps
when you are sick,
but nothing helps
when you give up.
15 Everyone with good sense
wants to learn.
16 A gift will get you in
to see anyone.
17 You may think you have won
your case in court,
until your opponent speaks.
18 Drawing straws is one way
to settle a difficult case.
19 Making up with a friend
you have offended[b]
is harder than breaking
through a city wall.
20 Make your words good—
you will be glad you did.
21 Words can bring death or life!
Talk too much, and you will eat
everything you say.
22 (B) A man's greatest treasure
is his wife—
she is a gift from the Lord.
23 The poor must beg for help,
but the rich can give
a harsh reply.
24 Some friends don't help,[c]
but a true friend is closer
than your own family.
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