Proverbs 18:14-24

New Living Translation

¹⁴ The human spirit can endure a sick body,
    but who can bear a crushed spirit?

¹⁵ Intelligent people are always ready to learn.
    Their ears are open for knowledge.

¹⁶ Giving a gift can open doors;
    it gives access to important people!

¹⁷ The first to speak in court sounds right—
    until the cross-examination begins.

¹⁸ Flipping a coin^[a] can end arguments;
    it settles disputes between powerful opponents.

¹⁹ An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city.
    Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.

²⁰ Wise words satisfy like a good meal;
    the right words bring satisfaction.

²¹ The tongue can bring death or life;
    those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

²² The man who finds a wife finds a treasure,
    and he receives favor from the Lord.

²³ The poor plead for mercy;
    the rich answer with insults.

²⁴ There are “friends” who destroy each other,
    but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.