< Proverbs 18

[1] Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

[2] A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

[3] When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

[4] The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

[5] It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

[6] A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

[7] A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

[8] The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

[9] He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

[10] The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

[11] The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

[12] Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

[13] He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

[14] The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

[15] The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

[16] A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

[17] He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

[18] The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

[19] A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

[20] A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

[21] Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

[22] Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

[23] The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

[24] A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.