Proverbs 18

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 runneth into it, and is safe.⋮

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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