Proverbs 18:1–24

¹ He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment. ² A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions. ³ With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace. ⁴ The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. ⁵ Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice. ⁶ A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. ⁷ A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. ⁸ The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being. ⁹ Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys. ¹⁰ The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. ¹¹ A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination. ¹² Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. ¹³ He who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace to him. ¹⁴ The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit? ¹⁵ The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out. ¹⁶ A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men. ¹⁷ The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him. ¹⁸ Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents. ¹⁹ An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes 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. ²¹ Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. ²² He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. ²³ The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly. ²⁴ A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.