Proverbs 18:1-20

1 One who isolates himself pursues [selfish] desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.

2 A fool does not delight in understanding, but only wants to show off his opinions.^[a]

3 When a wicked man comes, shame does also, and along with dishonor, disgrace.

4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters,^[b] a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.

5 It is not good to show partiality to the guilty by perverting the justice due the innocent.^[c]

6 A fool's lips lead to strife, and his mouth provokes a beating.

7 A fool's mouth is his devastation, and his lips are a trap for his life.^[d]

8 A gossip's words are like choice food that goes down to one's innermost being.^{[e] [f]}

9 The one who is truly lazy in his work is brother to a vandal.^{[g] [h]}

10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected.^{[i] [j]}

11 A rich man's wealth is his fortified city; in his imagination it is like a high wall.^[k]

12 Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but before honor comes humility.^[l]

13 The one who gives an answer before he listens- this is foolishness and disgrace for him.^[m]

14 A man's spirit can endure sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?^[n]

15 The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it.^[o]

16 A gift opens doors^[p] for a man and brings him before the great.^[q]

17 The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.^[r]

18 [Casting] the lot ends quarrels and separates powerful opponents.

19 An offended brother is [harder to reach]^[s] than a fortified city, and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.

20 From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is satisfied; he is filled with the product of his lips.^[t]

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit to uncover his heart
• [b]. Pr 20:5
• [c]. Pr 24:23-24; Lv 19:15; Dt 24:17; Ps 15:5
• [d]. Pr 10:14; 12:13; 13:3
• [e]. Lit to the chambers of the belly
• [f]. Pr 26:22
• [g]. Lit master of destruction
• [h]. Pr 28:24
• [i]. Lit raised high
• [j]. Pr 29:25
• [k]. Pr 10:15
• [l]. Pr 11:2; 16:18; 29:23
• [m]. Pr 15:28
• [n]. Pr 15:13; 17:22
• [o]. Pr 14:33; 15:14
• [p]. Lit gift makes room
• [q]. Pr 17:8; 19:6; 21:14
• [r]. 1 Kg 3:16-28
• [s]. LXX, Syr, Tg, Vg read is stronger
• [t]. Pr 1:31; 12:14; 14:14