Proverbs 18:16-24

16 Taking a gift to an important man will help get you in to see him.

17 The person who tells one side of a story seems right, until someone else comes and asks questions.

18 Throwing lots can settle arguments and keep the two sides from fighting.

19 A brother who has been insulted is harder to win back than a walled city, and arguments separate people like the barred gates of a palace.

20 People will be rewarded for what they say; they will be rewarded by how they speak.

21 What you say can mean life or death. Those who speak with care will be rewarded.

22 When a man finds a wife, he finds something good. It shows that the Lord is pleased with him.

23 The poor beg for mercy, but the rich give rude answers.

24 Some friends may ruin you, but a real friend will be more loyal than a brother.