Proverbs 18:1-17

1 He that will go away from a friend, seeketh occasions, that is, feigneth causes, (or looketh for reasons); in all time he shall be despisable.

2 A fool receiveth not the words of prudence; no but thou say those things, that be turned (over) in his heart.

3 A wicked man, when he cometh into (the) depth of sins, despiseth wholesome lore, (or discipline,) and commandment; but scandal and shame followeth him.

4 Deep water is the words of the mouth of a man; and a strand floating over is the well of wisdom. (Words from a person's mouth can be like deep water/can be as deep as the water; and the well of wisdom is like a stream flowing over.)

5 It is not good to take the person of a wicked man in doom, that thou bow away from the truth of doom. (It is not good to favour a wicked person, so that thou turn away from the truth in judgement.)

6 The lips of a fool meddle themselves with chidings; and his mouth stirreth strives. (A fool's lips mix, or mingle, themselves in with arguments; and his mouth stirreth up strife.)

7 The mouth of a fool is [the] defouling of him; and his lips be the falling of his soul.

8 The words of a double-tongued man be as simple; and they come unto the inner things of the womb. Dread casteth down a slow man; forsooth the souls of men turned into women's condition shall have hunger. (A gossip's words be tasty; and they go down into the innermost parts. Fear casteth down the lazy; and those who be timid shall have hunger.)

9 He that is nesh, and dissolute, either unsteadfast, in his work, is the brother of a man destroying his works.

10 A full strong tower is the name of the Lord; a just man runneth to him, and [he] shall be enhanced. (The Lord's name is a full strong tower; the righteous run to it, and they shall be safe.)

11 The chattel of a rich man is the city of his strength; and as a strong wall compassing him. (A rich person's possessions is the city of his strength; and they be like a strong wall surrounding him, or so he thinketh.)

12 The heart of man is enhanced, before that it be broken; and it is made meek, before that it be glorified. (A person's heart is raised up in pride, before that it is broken; and it is humbled, before that it is glorified.)

13 He that answereth before that he heareth, showeth himself to be a fool; and worthy of shame.

14 The spirit of a man sustaineth (him in) his feebleness; but who may sustain a spirit light to be wroth? (A person's spirit can sustain him in sickness; but who can endure with a broken spirit?)

15 The heart of a prudent man shall hold steadfastly knowing; and the ear of wise men seeketh teaching. (The heart of a person with understanding shall steadfastly hold onto knowledge; and the ears of the wise seek out teaching, or instruction.)

16 The gift of a man alargeth his way; and maketh space to him before princes. (Giving a gift openeth, or smootheth, one's way; and maketh an opening for thee among the leaders, or among the powerful.)

17 A just man is the first accuser of himself; his friend cometh, and shall search him. (He who is the first to speak for a cause seemeth right; but then his opponent shall come, and shall search him out.)