Proverbs

18 Whoever isolates himself pursues his own selfish desires;

He rejects* all practical wisdom.

 2 A stupid person takes no pleasure in understanding;

He would rather disclose what is in his heart.+

 3 When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes,

And along with dishonor there is disgrace.+

 5 It is not good to show partiality to the wicked one+

Or to deprive the righteous one of justice.+

 6 The speech of the stupid one leads to quarrels,+

And his mouth invites a beating.+

 7 The mouth of the stupid is his ruin,+

And his lips are a snare for his life.*

 8 The words of a slanderer are like tasty morsels;*+

They are gulped right down into the stomach.+

 9 Whoever is lazy in his work

Is a brother to the one who causes ruin.+

11 The wealth of the rich is his fortified city;

It is like a protective wall in his imagination.+

12 Before a crash a man’s heart is lofty,+

And before glory there is humility.+

13 When anyone replies to a matter before he hears the facts,

It is foolish and humiliating.+

14 A person’s spirit can sustain him through illness,+

But who can bear a crushed spirit?*+

15 The heart of the understanding one acquires knowledge,+

And the ear of the wise seeks to find knowledge.

16 A man’s gift opens the way for him;+

It gives him access to great people.

17 The first to state his case seems right,+

Until the other party comes and cross-examines him.*+

18 Casting lots puts an end to disputes+

And decides between* strong opponents.

19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a fortified city,+

And there are disputes like the bars of a fortress.+

20 From the fruitage of a man’s speech* his stomach will be filled;+

He will be satisfied with what his lips produce.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue;+

Those who love to use it will eat its fruitage.+

22 The one who finds a good wife has found something good,+

And he receives Jehovah’s favor.*+

23 The poor man implores when speaking,

But the rich man answers harshly.

24 There are companions ready to crush one another,+

But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.+