Proverbs 18

1An unfriendly man pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment. 2but only in revealing his own opinion. A fool has no delight in understanding, 3and with shame comes disgrace. When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, 4The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook. The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters. 5nor to deprive the innocent of justice. To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, 6and his mouth invites beatings. A fool’s lips come into strife, 7and his lips are a snare to his soul. A fool’s mouth is his destruction, 8they go down into a person’s innermost parts. The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: 9is brother to him who is a master of destruction. One who is slack in his work 10the righteous run to him, and are safe. Yahweh’s name is a strong tower: 11like an unscalable wall in his own imagination. The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, 12but before honor is humility. Before destruction the heart of man is proud, 13that is folly and shame to him. He who gives answer before he hears, 14but a crushed spirit, who can bear? A man’s spirit will sustain him in sickness, 15The ear of the wise seeks knowledge. The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. 16and brings him before great men. A man’s gift makes room for him, 17until another comes and questions him. He who pleads his cause first seems right; 18and keeps strong ones apart. The lot settles disputes, 19and disputes are like the bars of a fortress. A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city; 20With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied. A man’s stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth. 21those who love it will eat its fruit. Death and life are in the power of the tongue; 22and obtains favor of Yahweh. Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, 23but the rich answer harshly. The poor plead for mercy, 24but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. A man of many companions may be ruined,