Proverbs 18:5-24

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

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.^[b]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19 An offended brother is [harder to reach]^[q] 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.^[r]

21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.^[s]

22 A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.^[t]

23 The poor man pleads, but the rich one answers roughly.

24 A man with many friends may be harmed,^[u] but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.^[v]

Footnotes

• [a]. Pr 24:23-24; Lv 19:15; Dt 24:17; Ps 15:5
• [b]. Pr 10:14; 12:13; 13:3
• [c]. Lit to the chambers of the belly
• [d]. Pr 26:22
• [e]. Lit master of destruction
• [f]. Pr 28:24
• [g]. Lit raised high
• [h]. Pr 29:25
• [i]. Pr 10:15
• [j]. Pr 11:2; 16:18; 29:23
• [k]. Pr 15:28
• [l]. Pr 15:13; 17:22
• [m]. Pr 14:33; 15:14
• [n]. Lit gift makes room
• [o]. Pr 17:8; 19:6; 21:14
• [p]. 1 Kg 3:16-28
• [q]. LXX, Syr, Tg, Vg read is stronger
• [r]. Pr 1:31; 12:14; 14:14
• [s]. Pr 13:2; Mt 15:11,18-20; Jms 3:8
• [t]. Pr 19:14; 31:10
• [u]. Some LXX mss, Syr, Tg, Vg read friends must be friendly
• [v]. Pr 17:17; 27:10; Jn 15:13