Proverbs 18

Revised Standard Version

18 He who is estranged^[a] seeks pretexts^[b]
    to break out against all sound judgment.
² A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,
    but only 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 deep waters;
    the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.
⁵ It is not good to be partial to a wicked man,
    or to deprive a righteous man of justice.
⁶ A fool’s lips bring strife,
    and his mouth invites a flogging.
⁷ A fool’s mouth is his ruin,
    and his lips are a snare to himself.
⁸ The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
    they go down into the inner parts of the body.
⁹ He who is slack in his work
    is a brother to him who destroys.
¹⁰ The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
    the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
¹¹ A rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
    and like a high wall protecting him.^[c]
12 Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty,
    but humility goes before honor.
¹³ If one gives answer before he hears,
    it is his folly and shame.
¹⁴ A man’s spirit will endure sickness;
    but a broken spirit who can bear?
¹⁵ An intelligent mind acquires knowledge,
    and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
¹⁶ A man’s gift makes room for him
    and brings him before great men.
¹⁷ He who states his case first seems right,
    until the other comes and examines him.
¹⁸ The lot puts an end to disputes
    and decides between powerful contenders.
¹⁹ A brother helped is like a strong city,^[d]
    but quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
²⁰ From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied;
    he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
²¹ Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
    and those who love it will eat its fruits.
²² He who finds a wife finds a good thing,
    and obtains favor from the Lord.
²³ The poor use entreaties,
    but the rich answer roughly.
²⁴ There are^[e] friends who pretend to be friends,^[f]
    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.