Proverbs 18:1-17

1 Unfriendly people look out for themselves; they bicker with sensible people.

2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing their opinion.

3 When the wicked arrive, so does contempt; with shame comes insult.

4 The words of a person's mouth are deep waters, a bubbling stream, a fountain of wisdom.

5 Favoring the wicked isn't good; it denies justice to the righteous.

6 The lips of fools make accusations; their mouths elicit beatings.

7 The mouth of fools is their ruin; their lips are a trap for their lives.

8 The words of gossips are like choice snacks; they go down to the inmost parts.

9 Those who are lazy in their work are brothers to thugs.

10 The LORD's name is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and find refuge.

11 The riches of the wealthy are a strong city and like a high wall in their imagination.

12 Pride comes before a disaster, but humility comes before respect.

13 Those who answer before they listen are foolish and disgraceful.

14 The human spirit sustains a sick person, but who can bear a broken spirit?

15 An understanding mind gains knowledge; the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16 A gift opens the way for access to important people.

17 The first person to testify seems innocent, until the other comes and cross-examines him.