Proverbs

Proverbs 18 ©

Various observations of moral virtues and their contrary vices.

1

1THROUGH adesire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

2

A bfool hath no delight in understanding, but cthat his heart may discover itself.

3

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

d Ps. 10; 35; 59; 64; 140; 123; 120; 52; 36.1-4.
4

The ewords of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

5

It is fnot good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

6

A gfool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

7

A hfool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

8

The iwords of a 2talebearer are 3as wounds, and they go down into the 4innermost parts of the belly.

9

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

10

The kname of the LORD is la strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and 5is safe.

11

The mrich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own *conceit.

12

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

13

He othat 6answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

14

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

15

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

16

A sman's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

17

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

18

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

19

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

20

A wman's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

21

xDeath and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall yeat the fruit thereof.

22

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

23

The apoor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth broughly.

24

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