Proverbs 18:1-9

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.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.