Proverbs 18:15 | New International Reader’s Version

New International Reader’s Version

1 A person who isn’t friendly looks out only for themselves. They oppose all good sense by starting fights. 2 Foolish people don’t want to understand. They take delight in saying only what they think. 3 People hate it when evil comes. And they refuse to honour those who bring shame. 4 The words of a person’s mouth are like deep water. But the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream. 5 It isn’t good to favour those who do wrong. That would keep justice from those who aren’t guilty. 6 What foolish people say leads to arguing. They are just asking for a beating. 7 The words of foolish people drag them down. They are trapped by what they say. 8 The words of anyone who talks about others are like tasty bites of food. They go deep down inside you. 9 Anyone who doesn’t want to work is like someone who destroys. 10 The name of the LORD is like a strong tower. Godly people run to it and are safe. 11 The 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. 12 If a person’s heart is proud, they will be destroyed. So don’t be proud if you want to be honoured. 13 To answer before listening is foolish and shameful. 14 A cheerful spirit gives strength even during times of illness. But you can’t keep going if you have a broken spirit. 15 Those whose hearts understand what is right get knowledge. That’s because the ears of those who are wise listen for it. 16 A gift opens the door and helps the giver meet important people. 17 In court, the first one to speak seems right. Then someone else comes forward and questions him. 18 Casting lots will put a stop to arguing. It will keep the strongest enemies apart. 19 A 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. 20 Because of what they say a person can fill their stomach. What their words produce can satisfy them. 21 Your tongue has the power of life and death. Those who love to talk will eat the fruit of their words. 22 The one who finds a wife finds what is good. He receives favour from the LORD. 23 Poor people beg for mercy. But rich people answer in a mean way. 24 A person with unfaithful friends soon comes to ruin. But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

English Standard Version

1 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. (Jud 1:19) 2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. (Pr 13:16; Ec 10:3) 3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace. 4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. (Pr 20:5) 5 It is not good to be partial to^[1] the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice. (Le 19:15; De 1:17; Ps 82:2; Pr 17:15; Pr 24:23; Pr 28:21)

Le 19:15De 1:17Ps 82:2Pr 17:15Pr 24:23Pr 28:21

6 A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. (Pr 19:29) 7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. (Ps 64:8; Ps 140:9; Pr 10:14; Pr 12:13; Pr 13:3; Ec 10:12)

Ps 64:8Ps 140:9Pr 10:14Pr 12:13Pr 13:3Ec 10:12

8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body. (Pr 16:28; Pr 20:27; Pr 26:22) 9 Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys. (Pr 28:24) 10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. (Ex 34:5; 2Sa 22:3; Ps 18:2; Ps 20:1; Ps 61:3)

Ex 34:52Sa 22:3Ps 18:2Ps 20:1Ps 61:3

11 A rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination. (Pr 10:15) 12 Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. (Pr 11:2; Pr 15:33) 13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. (Joh 7:51) 14 A man’s spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? (Pr 15:13) 15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 16 A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great. (Ge 32:20; 1Sa 25:27; Pr 17:8) 17 The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him. 18 The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders. (Pr 16:33) 19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. 20 From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. (Pr 12:14) 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. (Pr 4:23; Pr 12:13; Mt 12:36) 22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. (Ge 2:18; Pr 8:35; Pr 12:4; Pr 19:14; Pr 31:10)

Ge 2:18Pr 8:35Pr 12:4Pr 19:14Pr 31:10

23 The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly. (Jas 2:3; Jas 2:6) 24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Pr 17:17)