18 He who [willfully] separates himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire,
He quarrels against all sound wisdom.
² 
A [closed-minded] fool does not delight in understanding,
But only in revealing his personal opinions [unwittingly displaying his self-indulgence and his stupidity].
³ 
When the wicked man comes [to the depth of evil], contempt [of all that is pure and good] also comes,
And with inner baseness (dishonor) comes outer shame (scorn).
⁴ 
The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters [copious and difficult to fathom];
The fountain of [mature, godly] wisdom is like a bubbling stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving].
⁵ 
To show respect to the wicked person is not good,
Nor to push aside and deprive the righteous of justice.
⁶ 
A fool’s lips bring contention and strife,
And his mouth invites a beating.
⁷ 
A fool’s mouth is his ruin,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.
⁸ 
The words of a whisperer (gossip) are like dainty morsels [to be greedily eaten];
They go down into the innermost chambers of the body [to be remembered and mused upon].