Proverbs 18
1HE who desireth to part with friends seeketh excuses; but he will always be liable to reproach.—
2He who is void of understanding hath no use for wisdom; for he is rather led by folly.
3When a wicked man cometh to a depth of evils he sheweth contempt; but ignominy and reproach come upon him.
4A word in a man’s heart is a deep water; but a stream issueth forth and a fountain of life.
5To respect the person of a wicked man is not good; nor is it consistent with piety to pervert justice in judgment.
6The lips of a fool lead him into trouble; and his mouth when bold provoketh death.
7The mouth of a fool is his destruction,
8and his lips are a snare for his soul. Fear depresseth the slothful; and the souls of the effeminate shall suffer want.
9He who doth not use his endeavours to cure himself is brother to him who destroyeth himself.
10The name of the Lord is of majestic power; and the righteous having recourse to it shall be exalted.
11A rich man’s wealth is a strong city, and the glory of it casteth a great shadow.
12Before ruin a man’s heart is haughty, and prior to honour it is humble.
13He who answereth a matter before he heareth it, exposeth his folly and incurreth contempt.
14A wise servant appeaseth a man’s anger; but a mean-spirited man who can bear?
15The heart of a prudent man getteth knowledge; and the ears of the wise seek understanding.
16A man’s gift maketh room for him, and procureth him a seat among the mighty.
17A just man accuseth himself first; but if he attack, his adversary is refuted.
18The silent putteth an end to contention, and determineth among the mighty.
19A brother assisted by a brother is like a fortified and lofty city, and is strong as a well-founded palace.
20With the fruits of his mouth a man filleth his belly, and with the fruits of his lips he shall be satisfied.
21Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they who have the command of it shall eat the fruits thereof.
22He who hath found a good wife hath found favour, and hath received joy from God. He who putteth away a good wife, putteth away good things; but he who retaineth an adulteress is foolish and wicked.