Proverbs 18 — ILT

18Verse 1He that separateth himself [from God] seeketh his own desires: at every sound wisdom is he enraged.^{Verse 2}A fool hath no delight in understanding, but in laying open what is in his heart.^{Verse 3}When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with dishonorable acts, disgrace.^{Verse 4}Like deep waters are the words of a [wise] man's mouth, and a bubbling brook is the well-spring of wisdom.^{Verse 5}It is not good to favor the person of the wicked, to wrest [the cause of the] righteous in judgment.^{Verse 6}The lips of the fool come with contention, and his mouth calleth for blows.^{Verse 7}The mouth of the fool is a destruction to himself, and his lips are the snare of his soul.^{Verse 8}The words of a whisperer are as wounds, and they go down indeed into the innermost parts of the body.^{Verse 9}He also that showeth himself slothful in his work is a brother to the destroyer.^{Verse 10}The name of the Lord is a strong tower, whereunto the righteous runneth, and is placed in safety.^{Verse 11}The rich man's wealth is his strong town, and as a towering wall in his own conceit.^{Verse 12}Before downfall the heart of man becometh haughty, and before honor goeth humility.^{Verse 13}When one returneth an answer before he understandeth [the question], it is folly unto him and shame.^{Verse 14}The spirit of a man will readily bear his disease; but a depressed spirit who can bear:^{Verse 15}The heart of the man of understanding will obtain knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.^{Verse 16}A man's gift maketh room for him, and before great men will it lead him.^{Verse 17}He that is first in his cause seemeth just; but when his neighbor cometh, then will it be investigated.^{Verse 18}The lot causeth disputes to cease, and it decideth between the mighty.^{Verse 19}A brother offended is harder [to be won] than a strong town; and quarrels [among brothers] are like the bars of a castle.^{Verse 20}From the fruit of a man's mouth is his body satisfied; with the product of his lips doth he satisfy himself.^{Verse 21}Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it will eat its fruit.^{Verse 22}Whoso hath found a wife hath found happiness, and hath obtained favor from the Lord.^{Verse 23}The poor speaketh entreatingly; but the rich answereth roughly.^{Verse 24}A man's many companions are hurtful to him; but there is many a friend that cleaveth closer than a brother.