Proverbs 18:12-20

Holman Christian Standard Bible

¹² Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud,^(A)
but humility comes before honor.^(B)

¹³ The one who gives an answer before he listens—
this is foolishness and disgrace for him.^(C)

¹⁴ A man’s spirit can endure sickness,
but who can survive a broken spirit?^(D)

¹⁵ The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks it.^(E)

¹⁶ A gift opens doors^[a] for a man
and brings him before the great.^(F)

¹⁷ The first to state his case seems right
until another comes and cross-examines him.^(G)

¹⁸ Casting the lot^(H) ends quarrels
and separates powerful opponents.

¹⁹ An offended brother is harder to reach^[b]
than a fortified city,
and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.

²⁰ From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is satisfied;
he is filled with the product of his lips.^(I)