Proverbs 18:1-9

1 A loner is out to get what he wants for himself. He opposes all sound reasoning.

2 A fool does not find joy in understanding but only in expressing his own opinion.

3 When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and insult comes along with disgrace.

4 The words of a person's mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is an overflowing stream.

5 It is not good to be partial toward a wicked person, thereby depriving an innocent person of justice.

6 By talking, a fool gets into an argument, and his mouth invites a beating.

7 A fool's mouth is his ruin. His lips are a trap to his soul.

8 The words of a gossip are swallowed greedily, and they go down into a person's innermost being.

9 Whoever is lazy in his work is related to a vandal.