Proverbs 18

1 He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.

1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

2 A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.

2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

3 With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace.

3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

4 The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

5 Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.

5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

6 A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.

6 A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.

8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

9 Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.

9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

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

11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

12 Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.

12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

13 He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.

13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

14 The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?

14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.

15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

16 A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.

16 A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

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

17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

18 Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.

18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

19 An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle.

19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

20 From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.

20 A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

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

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.

22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

23 The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.

23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.

24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.