Proverbs 18:16-24

16 A gift opens doors for the one who gives it and brings him into the presence of great people.

17 The first to state his case seems right [until] his neighbor comes to cross-examine him.

18 Flipping a coin ends quarrels and settles [issues] between powerful people.

19 An offended brother is more [resistant] than a strong city, and disputes are like the locked gate of a castle tower.

20 A person's speaking ability provides for his stomach. His talking provides him a living.

21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love to talk will have to eat their own words.

22 Whoever finds a wife finds something good and has obtained favor from the LORD.

23 A poor person is timid when begging, but a rich person is blunt when replying.

24 Friends can destroy one another, but a loving friend can stick closer than family.