Proverbs 18
Revised Geneva Translation
18 He who separates himself seeks his own desires, quarreling with all wisdom.
2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own heart.
3 When the wicked comes, then comes contempt. And with the vile comes reproach.
4 The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters. And the wellspring of wisdom is like a flowing river.
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked; to cause the righteous to fall in judgment.
6 A fool’s lips come with strife, and his mouth calls for stripes.
7 A fool’s mouth is his own destruction, and his lips are a snare for his soul.
8 The words of a talebearer are as flatterings. And they go down to the core.
9 He, also, who is slothful in his work is the brother of him who is corrupt.
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower. The righteous run into it and are exalted.
11 The rich man’s riches are his strong city; and are as a high wall in his imagination.
12 Before destruction, the heart of a man is haughty. And before glory goes lowliness.
13 He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness. But who can bear a wounded spirit?
15 A wise heart gets knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks learning.
16 A man’s gift enlarges him, and leads him before great men.
17 The first to plead his own cause seems just. Then comes his neighbor and examines him.
18 Casting lots causes contentions to cease; and makes a partition among the mighty.
19 A offended brother is harder to win than a strong city. And their contentions are like the bars of a palace.
20 With the fruit of a man’s mouth shall his belly be satisfied; with the produce of his lips shall he be filled.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue. And those who love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
22 He who finds a wife, finds a good thing; and receives favor from the LORD.
23 The poor speak with supplication. But the rich answer roughly.
24 A man who has friends ought to show himself friendly. For a friend is nearer than a brother.
Proverbs 18
English Standard Version
18 Whoever (A)isolates himself seeks his own desire;
he breaks out against all sound judgment.
2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,
but only (B)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 (C)deep waters;
the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5 It is not good to (D)be partial to[a] the wicked
or to (E)deprive the righteous of justice.
6 A fool's lips walk into a fight,
and his mouth invites (F)a beating.
7 (G)A fool's mouth is his ruin,
and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 (H)The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
they go down into (I)the inner parts of the body.
9 Whoever is slack in his work
is a (J)brother to him who destroys.
10 (K)The name of the Lord is (L)a strong tower;
the righteous man runs into it and (M)is safe.
11 (N)A rich man's wealth is his strong city,
and like a high wall in his imagination.
12 (O)Before destruction a man's heart is haughty,
but (P)humility comes before honor.
13 If one gives an answer (Q)before he hears,
it is his folly and shame.
14 A man's spirit will endure sickness,
but (R)a crushed spirit who can bear?
15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A man's (S)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 (T)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 (U)From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied;
he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
21 (V)Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits.
22 He who finds (W)a wife finds (X)a good thing
and (Y)obtains favor (Z)from the Lord.
23 The poor use entreaties,
but (AA)the rich answer roughly.
24 A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but (AB)there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 18:5 Hebrew to lift the face of
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