| 1 | He who willfully separates
and
estranges himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire
and
pretext to break out against all wise
and
sound judgment. |
| 2 | A [self-confident] fool has no delight in understanding but only in revealing his personal opinions
and
himself. |
| 3 | When the wicked comes in [to the depth of evil], he becomes a contemptuous despiser [of all that is pure and good], and with inner baseness comes outer shame
and
reproach. |
| 4 | The words of a [discreet and wise] man’s mouth are like deep waters [plenteous and difficult to fathom], and the fountain of skillful
and
godly Wisdom is like a gushing stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving]. |
| 5 | To respect the person of the wicked
and
be partial to him, so as to deprive the [consistently] righteous of justice, is not good. |
| 6 | A [self-confident] fool’s lips bring contention, and his mouth invites a beating. |
| 7 | A [self-confident] fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to himself. |
| 8 | The words of a whisperer
or
talebearer are as dainty morsels; they go down into the innermost parts of the body. |
| 9 | He who is loose
and
slack in his work is brother to him who is a destroyer
and
[a]
he who does not use his endeavors to heal himself is brother to him who commits suicide
. |
| 10 | The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the [consistently] righteous man [upright and in right standing with God] runs into it and is safe, high [above evil]
and
strong. |
| 11 | The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as a high protecting wall in his own imagination
and
conceit. |
| 12 | Haughtiness comes before disaster, but humility before honor. |
| 13 | He who answers a matter before he hears the facts—it is folly and shame to him. |
| 14 | The strong spirit of a man sustains him in bodily pain
or
trouble, but a weak
and
broken spirit who can raise up
or
bear? |
| 15 | The mind of the prudent is ever getting knowledge, and the ear of the wise is ever seeking (inquiring for and craving) knowledge. |
| 16 | A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men. |
| 17 | He who states his case first seems right, until his rival comes and cross-examines him. |
| 18 | To cast lots puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders. |
| 19 | A brother offended is harder to be won over than a strong city, and [their] contentions separate them like the bars of a castle. |
| 20 | A man’s [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil]. |
| 21 | Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. |
| 22 | He who finds a [true] wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. |
| 23 | The poor man uses entreaties, but the rich answers roughly. |
| 24 | The man of many friends [a friend of all the world] will prove himself a bad friend, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. |
Cross references:
-
Proverbs 18:13 : John 7:51.
-
Proverbs 18:16 : Gen. 32:20; I Sam. 25:27; Prov. 17:8; 21:14.
-
Proverbs 18:21 : Matt. 12:37.
-
Proverbs 18:22 : Prov. 19:14; 31:10.
|