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18:1 He who separates himself seeks [his own] desire, He quarrels against all sound wisdom. 18:2 A fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own mind. 18:3 When a wicked man comes, contempt also comes, And with dishonor [comes] reproach. 18:4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. 18:5 To show partiality to the wicked is not good, [Nor] to thrust aside the righteous in judgment. 18:6 A fool's lips bring strife, And his mouth calls for blows. 18:7 A fool's mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul. 18:8 The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body. 18:9 He also who is slack in his work Is brother to him who destroys. 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe. 18:11 A rich man's wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own imagination. 18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, But humility [goes] before honor. 18:13 He who gives an answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him. 18:14 The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, But a broken spirit who can bear? 18:15 The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 18:16 A man's gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men. 18:17 The first to plead his case [seems] just, [Until] another comes and examines him. 18:18 The lot puts an end to contentions, And decides between the mighty. 18:19 A brother offended [is harder to be won] than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle. 18:20 With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be satisfied; He will be satisfied [with] the product of his lips. 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. 18:22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the LORD. 18:23 The poor man utters supplications, But the rich man answers roughly. 18:24 A man of [many] friends [comes] to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.