Proverbs 18

1One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires;

he rebels against all sound judgment.

2 A fool does not delight in understanding,
but only wants to show off his opinions.
Lit to uncover his heart
,
b

3 When a wicked man comes, contempt also does,
and along with dishonor, disgrace.

4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters, c
a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.
Or waters; a fountain of wisdom is a flowing river.

5 It is not good to show partiality to the
guilt/guilty: The liability to be punished for a fault, a sin, an act, or an omission unless there is forgiveness or atonement; the term normally concerns an objective fact, not a subjective feeling.
guilty f
by perverting the justice due the innocent. g

6 A fool’s lips lead to strife,
and his mouth provokes a beating. h

7 A fool’s mouth is his devastation,
and his lips are a trap for his life. i

8 A gossip’s words are like choice food
that goes down to one’s innermost being.
Lit to the chambers of the belly
,
k

9 The one who is truly lazy in his work
is brother to a vandal.
Lit master of destruction
,
m

10 The name of
Yahweh/Yah: Or The Lord; the personal name of God in Hebrew; "Yah" is the shortened form of the name.
Yahweh is a strong tower; o
the righteous run to it and are protected.
Lit raised high
,
q

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

12 Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, s
but humility comes before honor. t

13 The one who gives an answer before he listens
this is foolishness and disgrace for him. u

14 A man’s spirit can endure sickness,
but who can survive a broken spirit? v

15 The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks it. w

16 A gift opens doors
Lit gift makes room
for a man
and brings him before the great. y

17 The first to state his case seems right
until another comes and cross-examines him. z

18 Casting the lot aa ends quarrels
and separates powerful opponents.

19 An offended brother is harder to reach
LXX, Syr, Tg, Vg read is stronger

than a fortified city,
and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.

20 From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is satisfied;
he is filled with the product of his lips. ac

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

22 A man who finds a wife finds a good thing ae
and obtains favor from the Lord. af

23 The poor man pleads, ag
but the rich one answers roughly. ah

24 A man with many friends may be harmed,
Some LXX mss, Syr, Tg, Vg read friends must be friendly

but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother. aj
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