Proverbs 18:1-13

English Standard Version

18 Whoever ^(A)isolates himself seeks his own desire;
    he breaks out against all sound judgment.
² A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,
    but only ^(B)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 ^(C)deep waters;
    the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
⁵ It is not good to ^(D)be partial to^[a] the wicked
    or to ^(E)deprive the righteous of justice.
⁶ A fool's lips walk into a fight,
    and his mouth invites ^(F)a beating.
^7 (G)A fool's mouth is his ruin,
    and his lips are a snare to his soul.
^8 (H)The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
    they go down into ^(I)the inner parts of the body.
⁹ Whoever is slack in his work
    is a ^(J)brother to him who destroys.
^10 (K)The name of the Lord is ^(L)a strong tower;
    the righteous man runs into it and ^(M)is safe.
^11 (N)A rich man's wealth is his strong city,
    and like a high wall in his imagination.
^12 (O)Before destruction a man's heart is haughty,
    but ^(P)humility comes before honor.
¹³ If one gives an answer ^(Q)before he hears,
    it is his folly and shame.