Proverbs 18:1-12

1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.

2 A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart.

3 When the wicked comes, contempt comes also; And with dishonor comes reproach.

4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.

5 It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, Or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

6 A fool's lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows.

7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.

8 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.

9 He who is slothful in his work Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.

10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.

11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own esteem.

12 Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility.

Footnotes

• [a] A Jewish tradition reads wounds.