CHAPTER 18
1A loner seeks a pretext,
where one needs prudence, he is exposed.
2A fool does not care for discerning
but for exposing his inner thoughts.
3When a wicked man comes, scorn comes, too,
and with disgrace, shame.
4Deep waters the words a man utters,
a flowing brook, the wellspring of wisdom.
5To favor the wicked is not good,
to skew the case of the innocent.
6The lips of the fool lead to quarrels,
and his mouth calls out for blows.
7A fool’s mouth is a disaster for him,
and his lips a snare for his life.
8The words of a grumbler are like pounding,
and they go down to the belly’s chambers.
9He who is slack at his task
is a brother to one who destroys.
10The name of the LORD is a tower of strength,
the righteous runs to it and is protected.
11The rich man’s wealth is his fortress city,
like a high wall within its hedge.
12Before a downfall a man’s heart is proud,
and before honor, humility.
13Who answers a word before hearing it out,
it is folly for him and disgrace.
14A man’s spirit sustains him in his illness,
but a lamed spirit who can bear?
15A discerning heart will get knowledge,
and the ear of the wise will seek knowledge.
16A man’s gift clears the way for him,
and leads him before the great.
17First to speak in his dispute seems right,
till his fellow man comes and searches him out.
18The lot puts an end to strife,
and separates the disputants.
19A brother wronged is like a fortress city,
and strife like the bolt of a palace.
20From the fruit of a man’s mouth his belly is sated,
he will sate the yield of his lips.
21Death and life are in the tongue’s power,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22Who finds a wife, finds a good thing
and wins favor from the LORD.
23Imploringly speaks the poor man,
and the rich man answers harshly.
24There is a companionable man to keep company with,
and there’s a friend closer than a brother.