Proverbs 18:6-24

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.^[a]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Footnotes

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