Proverbs 18:2-24

18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding

but only in disclosing what is on his mind.

18:3 When a wicked person arrives, contempt shows up with him,

and with shame comes a reproach.

18:4 The words of a person’s mouth are like deep waters,

and the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.

18:5 It is terrible to show partiality to the wicked,

by depriving a righteous man of justice.

18:6 The lips of a fool enter into strife,

and his mouth invites a flogging.

18:7 The mouth of a fool is his ruin,

and his lips are a snare for his life.

18:8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;

they go down into the person’s innermost being.

18:9 The one who is slack in his work

is a brother to one who destroys.

18:10 The name of the Lord is like a strong tower;

the righteous person runs to it and is set safely on high.

18:11 The wealth of a rich person is like a strong city,

and it is like a high wall in his imagination.

18:12 Before destruction the heart of a person is proud,

but humility comes before honor.

18:13 The one who gives an answer before he listens –

that is his folly and his shame.

18:14 A person’s spirit sustains him through sickness –

but who can bear a crushed spirit?

18:15 The discerning person acquires knowledge,

and the wise person seeks knowledge.

18:16 A person’s gift makes room for him,

and leads him before important people.

18:17 The first to state his case seems right,

until his opponent begins to cross-examine him.

18:18 A toss of a coin ends disputes,

and settles the issue between strong opponents.

18:19 A relative offended is harder to reach than a strong city,

and disputes are like the barred gates of a fortified citadel.

18:20 From the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach is satisfied,

with the product of his lips is he satisfied.

18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

and those who love its use will eat its fruit.

18:22 The one who finds a wife finds what is enjoyable,

and receives a pleasurable gift from the Lord.

18:23 A poor person makes supplications,

but a rich man answers harshly.

18:24 A person who has friends may be harmed by them,

but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.