Proverbs 18:7-17

7 ¹A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

8 ²The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into ³the inner parts of the body.

9 Whoever is slack in his work is a ⁴brother to him who destroys.

10 ⁵The name of the Lord is ⁶a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and ⁷is safe.

11 ⁸A rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination.

12 ⁹Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but ¹⁰humility comes before honor.

13 If one gives an answer ¹¹before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

14 A man’s spirit will endure sickness, but ¹²a crushed spirit who can bear?

15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16 A man’s ¹³gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.

17 The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.

Cross References

• 1. 18:7 ch. 10:14; 12:13; 13:3; Ps. 64:8; 140:9; Eccles. 10:12
• 2. 18:8 ch. 26:22; [ch. 16:28]
• 3. 18:8 ch. 20:27
• 4. 18:9 [ch. 28:24]
• 5. 18:10 See Ex. 34:5-7
• 6. 18:10 Ps. 61:3; [Ps. 18:2]; See 2 Sam. 22:3
• 7. 18:10 [Ps. 20:1]
• 8. 18:11 See ch. 10:15
• 9. 18:12 See ch. 11:2
• 10. 18:12 ch. 15:33
• 11. 18:13 [John 7:51]
• 12. 18:14 ch. 15:13
• 13. 18:16 [Gen. 32:20; 1 Sam. 25:27]; See ch. 17:8