Pro Proverbs, chapter Proverbs of Solomon, chapter 18
The Selfishness of the Unfriendly
He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires;
he rebels against all sound judgment.
A fool does not delight in understanding,
but only in airing his opinions.
With a wicked man comes contempt as well,
and shame is accompanied by disgrace.
The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;
the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.Pro 20:5
Showing partiality 18:5 Hebrew Lifting the face to the wicked is not good,
nor is depriving the innocent of justice.Lev 19:15; Deu 1:17; Pro 24:23
A fool’s lips bring him strife,
and his mouth invites a beating.
A fool’s mouth is his ruin,
and his lips are a snare to his soul.Pro 10:14; Pro 12:13
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels
that go down into the inmost being.
Whoever is slothful in his work
is brother to him who destroys.
The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it18:10 Or to Him and are safe.Psa 20:1; Pro 14:26
A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city;
it is like a high wall in his imagination.Pro 10:15
Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud,
but humility comes before honor.Pro 16:18
He who answers a matter before he hears it—
this is folly and disgrace to him.
The spirit of a man can endure his sickness,
but who can survive a broken spirit?
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks it out.
A man’s gift opens doors for him,
and brings him before great men.Pro 17:8; Mat 2:11
The first to state his case seems right
until another comes and cross-examines him.
Casting the lot ends quarrels
and separates strong opponents.
An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city,
and disputes are like the bars of a castle.
From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled;
with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.Pro 14:14; Isa 3:10
Life and death are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.Pro 13:3; Jas 3:8
He who finds a wife finds a good thing
and obtains favor from the LORD.Pro 19:14
The poor man pleads for mercy,
but the rich man answers harshly.
A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.Pro 17:17