Proverbs 18
1 A man who wishes to separate from
friends seeks excuses; but at all times he will be liable to reproach.
2 A senseless man feels no need of
wisdom, for he is rather led by folly.
3 When an ungodly man comes into a
depth of evils, he despises them; but dishonour and
reproach come upon him. 4 A word in
the heart of a man is a deep water, and a river and fountain of life spring
forth. 5 It is not good to accept the person of the ungodly,
nor is it holy to pervert justice in judgment.
6 The lips of a fool bring
him into troubles, and his bold mouth calls for
death. 7 A fool's mouth is ruin to
him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 Fear casts down the slothful; and
the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.
9 A man who helps not himself by his
labour is brother of him that ruins himself.
10 The name of the Lord is of great
strength; and the righteous
aGr. having run.running to it are exalted. 11 The
wealth of a rich man is a strong city; and its glory casts a broad shadow.
12 Before ruin a man's heart is
exalted, and before honour it is humble.
13 Whoso answers a word before he
hears a cause, it is folly and reproach to him.
14 A wise servant calms a man's
anger; but who can endure a faint-hearted man?
15 The heart of the sensible
man purchases discretion; and the ears of the wise
seek understanding. 16 A man's gift
bSee Ps. 118. 32.enlarges him, and seats him among princes.
17 A righteous man accuses himself at
the beginning of his speech, but
cComp. Mark 14. ult. and margin, with 2 Tim. 4. 14-17.when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved.
18 A silent
man quells strifes, and determines between great
powers. 19 A brother helped by a
brother is as a strong and high city; and is
as strong as a well-founded
palace. 20 A man fills his belly with
the fruits of his mouth; and he shall be satisfied with the fruits of his
lips. 21 Life and death are in the
power of the tongue; and they that rule it shall eat the fruits thereof.
22 He that has found a good wife has
found favours, and has received gladness from God.
22a [dHeb. omits this verse.He that puts away a good wife, puts away a
eGr. plural.good thing, and he that keeps an adulteress is foolish and ungodly.]