Proverbs, 18

1. Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh [and] intermeddleth with all wisdom.

1. He who holds himself aloof follows his own whims and is annoyed at others' advice.

2. A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

2. The fool does not relish reflection but only the airing of his own views.

3. When the wicked cometh, [then] cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

3. When the wicked come, scorn also comes, and offense brings shame.

4. The words of a man's mouth [are as] deep waters, [and] the wellspring of wisdom [as] a flowing brook.

4. Man's words are like deep waters; an overflowing torrent is the fountain of wisdom.

5. [It is] not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

5. It is not good to give consideration to the wicked or to harm the virtuous when giving judgment.

6. A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

6. The fool's lips cause disputes and his mouth attracts blows.

7. A fool's mouth [is] his destruction, and his lips [are] the snare of his soul.

7. The fool's mouth is his undoing; his lips will ensnare his life.

8. The words of a talebearer [are] as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

8. The gossiper's words are tasty mouthfuls which go right to the bottom of the stomach.

9. He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

9. He who dawdles at work is a brother of the destroyer.

10. The name of the LORD [is] a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

10. Yahweh's name is a strong tower, the virtuous rely on it and are safe.

11. The rich man's wealth [is] his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

11. The rich man's wealth is his fortress; he relies on it as on a high wall.

12. Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour [is] humility.

12. Before its downfall, the heart is wrapped in pride; while humility goes before honor.

13. He that answereth a matter before he heareth [it], it [is] folly and shame unto him.

13. To argue before listening to the facts shows stupidity which leads to disgrace.

14. The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

14. The spirit of man sustains him when ill but who will lift the one of broken spirit?

15. The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

15. The discerning heart obtains wisdom, the ear of the wise searches out knowledge.

16. A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

16. A present opens all doors to you and brings you into the company of the powerful.

17. [He that is] first in his own cause [seemeth] just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

17. The first to plead his case seems to be right, but his opponent appears and there is matter for trial.

18. The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

18. Casting lots terminates disputes and decides between the powerful.

19. A brother offended [is harder to be won] than a strong city: and [their] contentions [are] like the bars of a castle.

19. A brother who is helped is more steadfast than a fortress but quarrels 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.

20. A man is filled with what comes from his mouth and is nourished by what his lips provide.

21. Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

21. The tongue has power over life and death, those who like speaking will eat its fruit.

22. [Whoso] findeth a wife findeth a good [thing], and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

22. He who finds a wife finds happiness, he has won Yahweh's favor.

23. The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

23. The poor man pleads, while the rich man responds harshly.

24. A man [that hath] friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.

24. Some friends only bring ruin, others are closer than a brother.