Proverbs 18

1 One who isolates himself seeks his own desire and he quarrels with all sound judgment.⋮

2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding, but only in revealing what is in his own heart.⋮

3 When a wicked person comes, contempt comes with him— along with shame and reproach.⋮

4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a flowing stream.⋮

5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked person, nor to deny justice to the righteous person.⋮

6 A fool's lips bring him conflict and his mouth invites a beating.⋮

7 A fool's mouth is his ruin and he ensnares himself with his lips.⋮

8 The words of a gossip are like delicious morsels and they go down into the inner parts of the body.⋮

9 Also, one who is slack in his work is a brother to the one who destroys the most.⋮

10 The name of Yahweh is a strong tower; the righteous person runs into it and is safe.⋮

11 The wealth of the rich is his fortified city and in his imagination it is like a high wall.⋮

12 Before his downfall a person's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.⋮

13 One who answers before listening— it is his folly and shame.⋮

14 A person's spirit will survive sickness, but a broken spirit who can bear it?⋮

15 The heart of the intelligent acquires knowledge and the hearing of the wise seeks it out.⋮

16 A man's gift may open the way and bring him before an important person.⋮

17 The first to plead his case seems right until his opponent comes and questions him.⋮

18 Casting the lot settles disputes and separates strong opponents.⋮

19 An offended brother is harder to be won than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.⋮

20 From the fruit of his mouth one's stomach is filled; with the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.⋮

21 Death and life are controlled by the tongue, and those who love the tongue will eat its fruit.⋮

22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and receives favor from Yahweh.⋮

23 A poor person pleads for mercy, but a rich person answers harshly.⋮

24 The one who claims many friends is brought to ruin by them, but there is a friend who comes closer than a brother.⋮