Proverbs 18

18 ¹Whoever isolates himself pursues his own desire; he lashes out against all sound wisdom. ²A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in airing his own opinions. ³When wickedness comes, contempt comes too, and with dishonor comes reproach. ⁴The words of a person's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a flowing stream. ⁵It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, denying justice to the righteous. ⁶A fool's lips bring 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; they go down into the inmost being. ⁹Whoever is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys. ¹⁰The name of our Father is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe. ¹¹A rich man's wealth is his fortified city; in his imagination it is like a high wall. ¹²Before destruction the human heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. ¹³If one answers before he listens, it is his foolishness and his shame. ¹⁴A person's spirit can sustain him through sickness, but a crushed spirit—who can bear it? ¹⁵The discerning heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out. ¹⁶A person's gift opens the way for him and brings him before important people. ¹⁷The first to state his case seems right, until another comes and examines him. ¹⁸Casting the lot settles disputes and separates strong opponents. ¹⁹An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bars of a fortress. ²⁰From the fruit of a person's mouth his stomach is satisfied; with the yield of his lips he is filled. ²¹Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. ²²He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from our Father. ²³The poor person pleads for mercy, but the rich answers harshly. ²⁴A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.