Proverbs 18:6-16

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.

13 He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.

14 The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?

15 The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16 A man's gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.

Footnotes

• [a] A Jewish tradition reads wounds.