Proverbs 18

¹He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.

²A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.

³With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace.

⁴The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

⁵Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.

⁶A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.

⁷A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

⁸The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.

⁹Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.

¹⁰The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

¹¹A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination.

¹²Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.

¹³He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.

¹⁴The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?

¹⁵The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.

¹⁶A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.

The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.