Proverbs Monthly

18 One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires;
he rebels against all sound judgment.

² A fool does not delight in understanding,
but only wants to show off his opinions.^[a](A)

³ When a wicked man comes, contempt also does,
and along with dishonor, disgrace.

⁴ The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters,^(B)
a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.^[b]

⁵ It is not good to show partiality to the guilty^(C)
by perverting the justice due the innocent.^(D)

⁶ A fool’s lips lead to strife,
and his mouth provokes a beating.^(E)

⁷ A fool’s mouth is his devastation,
and his lips are a trap for his life.^(F)

⁸ A gossip’s words are like choice food
that goes down to one’s innermost being.^[c](G)

⁹ The one who is truly lazy in his work
is brother to a vandal.^[d](H)

¹⁰ The name of Yahweh is a strong tower;^(I)
the righteous run to it and are protected.^[e](J)

¹¹ A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city;
in his imagination it is like a high wall.^(K)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

¹⁹ An offended brother is harder to reach^[g]
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.^(T)

²¹ Life and death are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.^(U)

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

²³ The poor man pleads,^(X)
but the rich one answers roughly.^(Y)

²⁴ A man with many friends may be harmed,^[h]
but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.^(Z)