Proverbs 18:10-24

Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

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.^[a]
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,^[b]
    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^[c] friends who pretend to be friends,^[d]
    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.