Proverbs 18:11-21

11 ¹A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination.

12 ²Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but ³humility comes before honor.

13 If one gives an answer ⁴before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

14 A man's spirit will endure sickness, but ⁵a crushed spirit who can bear?

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

16 A man's ⁶gift 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.

18 ⁷The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders.

19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.

20 ⁸From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.

21 ⁹Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Cross References

• 1. See Proverbs 10:15
• 2. See Proverbs 11:2
• 3. Proverbs 15:33
• 4. [John 7:51]
• 5. Proverbs 15:13
• 6. [Genesis 32:20; 1 Samuel 25:27]; See Proverbs 17:8
• 7. [Proverbs 16:33]
• 8. See Proverbs 12:14
• 9. Matthew 12:36, 37; [Proverbs 4:23; Proverbs 12:13]