Proverbs 18:13-24

Christian Standard Bible

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

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

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

¹⁶ A person’s gift opens doors^[a] for him
and brings him before the great.^(D)

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

¹⁸ Casting the lot^(F) 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 a person’s mouth his stomach is satisfied;
he is filled with the product of his lips.^(G)

²¹ Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.^(H)

²² A man who finds a wife finds a good thing^(I)
and obtains favor from the Lord.^(J)

²³ The poor person pleads,^(K)
but the rich one answers roughly.^(L)

²⁴ One with many friends may be harmed,^[c]
but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.^(M)