1 – An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends;
he defies all sound judgment.
2 – A fool finds no pleasure in understanding
but delights in airing his own opinions.
3 – When wickedness comes, so does contempt,
and with shame comes disgrace.
4 – The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters,
but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5 – It is not good to be partial to the wicked
or to deprive the innocent of justice.
6 – A fool’s lips bring him strife,
and his mouth invites a beating.
7 – A fool’s mouth is his undoing,
and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 – The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to a man’s inmost parts.
9 – One who is slack in his work
is brother to one who destroys.
10 – The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.
11 – The wealth of the rich is their fortified city;
they imagine it an unscalable wall.
12 – Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud,
but humility comes before honor.
13 – He who answers before listening—
that is his folly and his shame.
14 – A man’s spirit sustains him in sickness,
but a crushed spirit who can bear?
15 – The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge;
the ears of the wise seek it out.
16 – A gift opens the way for the giver
and ushers him into the presence of the great.
17 – The first to present his case seems right,
till another comes forward and questions him.
18 – Casting the lot settles disputes
and keeps strong opponents apart.
19 – An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city,
and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
20 – From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled;
with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.
21 – The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 – He who finds a wife finds what is good
and receives favor from the LORD.
23 – A poor man pleads for mercy,
but a rich man answers harshly.
24 – A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18 (NIV)