Proverbs 18:1-8

New Living Translation

18 Unfriendly people care only about themselves;
    they lash out at common sense.

² Fools have no interest in understanding;
    they only want to air their own opinions.

³ Doing wrong leads to disgrace,
    and scandalous behavior brings contempt.

⁴ Wise words are like deep waters;
    wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.

⁵ It is not right to acquit the guilty
    or deny justice to the innocent.

⁶ Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels;
    they are asking for a beating.

⁷ The mouths of fools are their ruin;
    they trap themselves with their lips.

⁸ Rumors are dainty morsels
    that sink deep into one’s heart.