Sprüche 18 | King James Version

1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. 2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. 3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach. 4 The words of a man' mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. 5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment. 6 A fool' lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. 7 A fool' mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. 8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. 9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster. 10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. 11 The rich man' wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit. 12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility. 13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it , it is folly and shame unto him. 14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? 15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. 16 A man' gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. 17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. 18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty. 19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle. 20 A man' belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. 22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing , and obtaineth favour of the LORD. 23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly. 24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

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.

Sprüche 18 | King James Version New International Reader’s Version