Proverbs 18:1-11

1 An unfriendly man pursues selfishness, And defies all sound judgment.

2 A fool has no delight in understanding, But only in broadcasting his own opinion.

3 When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, And with shame comes disgrace.

4 The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.

5 To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, Nor to deprive the innocent of justice.

6 A fool's lips come into strife, And his mouth invites beatings.

7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are a snare to his soul.

8 The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: They go down into a person's innermost parts.

9 One who is slack in his work Is brother to him who is a master of destruction.

10 The name of Yahweh is a strong tower: The righteous run to him, and are safe.

11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, Like an unscalable wall in his own imagination.