Proverbs 18 — BSB

The Selfishness of the Unfriendly

18He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires;he rebels against all sound judgment.

A fool does not delight in understanding,but only in airing his opinions.

With a wicked man comes contempt as well,and shame is accompanied by disgrace.

The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

Showing partiality⁺to the wicked is not good,nor is depriving the innocent of justice.

A fool’s lips bring him strife,and his mouth invites a beating.

A fool’s mouth is his ruin,and his lips are a snare to his soul.

The words of a gossip are like choice morselsthat go down into the inmost being.

Whoever is slothful in his workis brother to him who destroys.

The name of the LORD is a strong tower;the righteous run to it⁺and are safe.

A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city;it is like a high wall in his imagination.

Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud,but humility comes before honor.

He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.

The spirit of a man can endure his sickness,but who can survive a broken spirit?

The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,and the ear of the wise seeks it out.

A man’s gift opens doors for him,and brings him before great men.

The first to state his case seems rightuntil another comes and cross-examines him.

Casting the lot ends quarrelsand separates strong opponents.

An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city,and disputes are like the bars of a castle.

From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled;with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.

Life and death are in the power of the tongue,and those who love it will eat its fruit.

He who finds a wife finds a good thingand obtains favor from the LORD.

The poor man pleads for mercy,but the rich man answers harshly.

A man of many companions may come to ruin,but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.