Proverbs 18:2-13

English Standard Version

² A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,
    but only ^(A)in expressing his opinion.
³ When wickedness comes, contempt comes also,
    and with dishonor comes disgrace.
⁴ The words of a man's mouth are ^(B)deep waters;
    the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
⁵ It is not good to ^(C)be partial to^[a] the wicked
    or to ^(D)deprive the righteous of justice.
⁶ A fool's lips walk into a fight,
    and his mouth invites ^(E)a beating.
^7 (F)A fool's mouth is his ruin,
    and his lips are a snare to his soul.
^8 (G)The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
    they go down into ^(H)the inner parts of the body.
⁹ Whoever is slack in his work
    is a ^(I)brother to him who destroys.
^10 (J)The name of the Lord is ^(K)a strong tower;
    the righteous man runs into it and ^(L)is safe.
^11 (M)A rich man's wealth is his strong city,
    and like a high wall in his imagination.
^12 (N)Before destruction a man's heart is haughty,
    but ^(O)humility comes before honor.
¹³ If one gives an answer ^(P)before he hears,
    it is his folly and shame.