Proverbs 18:16-24

16 A person's gift clears his way and gives him access to the great.

17 The first to state his case seems right, till the other one comes and cross-examines.

18 Casting lots puts an end to strife and separates powerful disputants.

19 It is harder to win an offended brother than a strong city; their fights are like the bars of a fortress.

20 A person's belly will be filled with the fruit of his mouth; with what his lips produce he will be filled.

21 The tongue has power over life and death; those who indulge it must eat its fruit.

22 He who finds a wife finds a great good; he has won the favor of ADONAI.

23 The poor man speaks beseechingly, the rich man's answer is blunt.

24 Some "friends" pretend to be friends, but a true friend sticks closer than a brother.