Proverbs 18:1-11

1 He who separates himself indulges his desires and shows contempt for sound advice of any kind.

2 A fool takes no pleasure in trying to understand; he only wants to express his own opinion.

3 When a wicked person comes, contempt comes too, and with disdain, provocation.

4 The words of a man's mouth are deep water, a gushing torrent, a fountain of wisdom.

5 It is not good to be partial to the guilty and thus deprive the innocent of justice.

6 A fool's words get him into fights; yes, his mouth calls out for a beating.

7 A fool's mouth is his ruin; his words are a trap for him.

8 A slanderer's words are tasty morsels; they slide right down into the belly.

9 Whoever is lazy in doing his work is brother to the destroyer.

10 The name of ADONAI is a strong tower; a righteous person runs to it and is raised high [above danger].

11 The wealth of the rich is his fortified city, like a high wall, in his own imagination.