Proverbs 18

1Whoever separates himself pursues desire and meddles with all sound wisdom.

2A fool finds no delight in understanding, but only in exposing his heart.

3When the wicked comes, contempt comes also, and reproach comes with disgrace.

4Words from a man's mouth are deep waters; wisdom's spring is a gushing brook.

5Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor turning the righteous aside in judgment.

6A fool's lips enter strife, and his mouth calls for beatings.

7A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips a snare to his soul.

8The words of a whisperer are like wounds, and they sink into the belly's innermost chambers.

9Even one who slacks in his work is a brother to a master of destruction.

10The name of Yahweh is a tower of strength; the righteous run into it and are exalted.

11The rich man's wealth is his strong city, like a high wall in his own conceit.

12Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, and before honor humility.

13He who answers a matter before he hears it—that is folly and shame to him.

14A man's spirit will sustain him in his sickness, but a wounded spirit—who can bear?

15A discerning heart acquires knowledge, and a wise ear seeks knowledge.

16A man's gift makes room for him and leads him before great men.

17Whoever comes first in his dispute seems righteous, but his neighbor comes and cross-examines him.

18The lot quells contentions and separates the mighty.

19A brother offended is stronger than a strong city, and contentions and disputes are like the bars of a citadel.

20A man's belly will be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; he will be satisfied with the produce of his lips.

21Death and life are in the tongue's power, and its lovers eat its fruit.

22Whoever finds a wife finds good and gains favor from Yahweh.

23The poor utters supplications, but the rich answers fiercely.

24A man with many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who clings closer than a brother.