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18:1 He who is estranged seeks pretexts to break out against all sound judgment. 18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. 18:3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also;and with dishonor comes disgrace. 18:4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters;the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream. 18:5 It is not good to be partial to a wicked man, or to deprive a righteous man of justice. 18:6 A fool's lips bring strife, and his mouth invites a flogging. 18:7 A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to himself. 18:8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;they go down into the inner parts of the body. 18:9 He who is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys. 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower;the righteous man runs into it and is safe. 18:11 A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall protecting him. 18:12 Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility goes before honor. 18:13 If one gives answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. 18:14 A man's spirit will endure sickness;but a broken spirit who can bear? 18:15 An intelligent mind 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 He who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him. 18:18 The lot puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders. 18:19 A brother helped is like a strong city, but quarreling is like the bars of a castle. 18:20 From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied;he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. 18:22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the LORD. 18:23 The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly. 18:24 There are friends who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.