The Book of Proverbs

Chapter 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.