Proverbs 18:11-24

English Standard Version

^11 (A)A rich man's wealth is his strong city,
    and like a high wall in his imagination.
^12 (B)Before destruction a man's heart is haughty,
    but ^(C)humility comes before honor.
¹³ If one gives an answer ^(D)before he hears,
    it is his folly and shame.
¹⁴ A man's spirit will endure sickness,
    but ^(E)a crushed spirit who can bear?
¹⁵ An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,
    and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
¹⁶ A man's ^(F)gift makes room for him
    and brings him before the great.
¹⁷ The one who states his case first seems right,
    until the other comes and examines him.
^18 (G)The lot puts an end to quarrels
    and decides between powerful contenders.
¹⁹ A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city,
    and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
^20 (H)From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied;
    he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
^21 (I)Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
    and those who love it will eat its fruits.
²² He who finds ^(J)a wife finds ^(K)a good thing
    and ^(L)obtains favor ^(M)from the Lord.
²³ The poor use entreaties,
    but ^(N)the rich answer roughly.
²⁴ A man of many companions may come to ruin,
    but ^(O)there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.