1Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.2A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.3When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.4The words of a man' mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.5It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.6A fool' lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.7A fool' mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.8The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.9He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.10The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.11The rich man' wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.13He that answereth a matter before he heareth it , it is folly and shame unto him.14The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?15The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.16A man' gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.17He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.18The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.19A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.20A man' belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.21Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.22Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing , and obtaineth favour of the LORD.23The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.24A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18
New International Reader’s Version
1A person who isn’t friendly looks out only for themselves. They oppose all good sense by starting fights.2Foolish people don’t want to understand. They take delight in saying only what they think.3People hate it when evil comes. And they refuse to honour those who bring shame.4The words of a person’s mouth are like deep water. But the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.5It isn’t good to favour those who do wrong. That would keep justice from those who aren’t guilty.6What foolish people say leads to arguing. They are just asking for a beating.7The words of foolish people drag them down. They are trapped by what they say.8The words of anyone who talks about others are like tasty bites of food. They go deep down inside you.9Anyone who doesn’t want to work is like someone who destroys.10The name of the LORD is like a strong tower. Godly people run to it and are safe.11The wealth of rich people is like a city that makes them feel safe. They think of it as a city with walls that can’t be climbed.12If a person’s heart is proud, they will be destroyed. So don’t be proud if you want to be honoured.13To answer before listening is foolish and shameful.14A cheerful spirit gives strength even during times of illness. But you can’t keep going if you have a broken spirit.15Those whose hearts understand what is right get knowledge. That’s because the ears of those who are wise listen for it.16A gift opens the door and helps the giver meet important people.17In court, the first one to speak seems right. Then someone else comes forward and questions him.18Casting lots will put a stop to arguing. It will keep the strongest enemies apart.19A broken friendship is harder to handle than a city with high walls around it. And arguing is like the locked gates of a mighty city.20Because of what they say a person can fill their stomach. What their words produce can satisfy them.21Your tongue has the power of life and death. Those who love to talk will eat the fruit of their words.22The one who finds a wife finds what is good. He receives favour from the LORD.23Poor people beg for mercy. But rich people answer in a mean way.24A person with unfaithful friends soon comes to ruin. But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.