Proverbs 18:16-24

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

17 He who pleads his cause first seems right; Until another comes and questions him.

18 The lot settles disputes, And keeps strong ones apart.

19 A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city; And disputes are like the bars of a castle.

20 A man's stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth. With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; Those who love it will eat its fruit.

22 Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor of the LORD.

23 The poor pleads for mercy, But the rich answers harshly.

24 A man of many companions may be ruined, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.