Proverbs 18

1One who isolates himself seeks his own desire

and he quarrels with all sound judgment.

2A fool finds no pleasure in understanding,

but only in revealing what is in his own heart.

3When a wicked person comes, contempt comes with him—

along with shame and reproach.

4The words of a man's mouth are deep waters;

the fountain of wisdom is a flowing stream.

5It is not good to be partial to the wicked person,

nor to deny justice to the righteous person.

6A fool's lips bring him conflict

and his mouth invites a beating.

7A fool's mouth is his ruin

and he ensnares himself with his lips.

8The words of a gossip are like delicious morsels

and they go down into the inner parts of the body.

9Also, one who is slack in his work

is a brother to the one who destroys the most.

10The name of Yahweh is a strong tower;

the righteous person runs into it and is safe.

11The wealth of the rich is his fortified city

and in his imagination it is like a high wall.

12Before his downfall a person's heart is proud,

but humility comes before honor.

13One who answers before listening—

it is his folly and shame.

14A person's spirit will survive sickness,

but a broken spirit who can bear it?

15The heart of the intelligent acquires knowledge

and the hearing of the wise seeks it out.

16A man's gift may open the way

and bring him before an important person.

17The first to plead his case seems right

until his opponent comes and questions him.

18Casting the lot settles disputes

and separates strong opponents.

19An offended brother is harder to be won than a strong city,

and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.

20From the fruit of his mouth one's stomach is filled;

with the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.

21Death and life are controlled by the tongue,

and those who love the tongue will eat its fruit.

22He who finds a wife finds a good thing

and receives favor from Yahweh.

23A poor person pleads for mercy,

but a rich person answers harshly.

24The one who claims many friends is brought to ruin by them,

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