Proverbs 18 - Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

18 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.(A)

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.(B)

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].(C)

22 He who finds a [true] wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.(D)

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.

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 18:9 This verse so reads in The Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament). Its statement squarely addresses the problem of whether one has a moral right to neglect his body by “letting nature take its unhindered course” in illness.

Cross references

  1. Proverbs 18:13 : John 7:51.
  2. Proverbs 18:16 : Gen. 32:20; I Sam. 25:27; Prov. 17:8; 21:14.
  3. Proverbs 18:21 : Matt. 12:37.
  4. Proverbs 18:22 : Prov. 19:14; 31:10.

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Proverbs 18 - Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

18 For [an object of] desire he who is separated doth seek, With all wisdom he intermeddleth. 2 A fool delighteth not in understanding, But -- in uncovering his heart. 3 With the coming of the wicked come also hath contempt, And with shame -- reproach. 4 Deep waters [are] the words of a man's mouth,...
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Proverbs 18 - Wycliffe Bible (WYC)

18 He that will go away from a friend, seeketh occasions, that is, feigneth causes, (or looketh for reasons); in all time he shall be despisable. 2 A fool receiveth not the words of prudence; no but thou say those things, that be turned (over) in his heart. 3 A wicked man, when he cometh into (the) ...
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Proverbs 18 - World English Bible (WEB)

18 A man who isolates himself pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment.2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion.3 When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and with shame comes disgrace.4 The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters. The fountain...
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Proverbs 18 - The Voice (VOICE)

18 Whoever pulls away from others to focus solely on his own desires disregards any sense of sound judgment.2 A fool never delights in true knowledge but only wants to express what’s on his mind.3 When wrongdoers arrive, disgrace is right there with them, for shame is the companion of dishonor.4 Wor...
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Proverbs 18 - Tree of Life Version (TLV)

A Fool’s Big Mouth18 One who isolates oneself seeks his own desire;he defies all sound judgment.2 A fool finds no delight in understanding,but only in expressing his opinion.3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt,and with dishonor comes disgrace.4 The words of one’s mouth are deep waters,a founta...
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Proverbs 18 - Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE)

18 He who is estranged[a] seeks pretexts[b] to break out against all sound judgment.2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonor comes disgrace.4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountai...
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Proverbs 18 - Revised Standard Version (RSV)

18 He who is estranged[a] seeks pretexts[b] to break out against all sound judgment.2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonor comes disgrace.4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountai...
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Proverbs 18 - New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised (NRSVA)

18 The one who lives alone is self-indulgent, showing contempt for all who have sound judgement.[a]2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinion.3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonour comes disgrace.4 The words of the mouth are deep wa...
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Proverbs 18 - New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

18 The one who lives alone is self-indulgent, showing contempt for all sound judgment.[a]2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinion.(A)3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace.4 The words of the mouth are deep waters; th...
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Proverbs 18 - New Living Translation (NLT)

18 Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense. 2 Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. 3 Doing wrong leads to disgrace, and scandalous behavior brings contempt. 4 Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise...
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Proverbs 18 - New Life Version (NLV)

18 He who stays away from others cares only about himself. He argues against all good wisdom. 2 A fool does not find joy in understanding, but only in letting his own mind be known. 3 When a sinful man comes, hate comes also, and where there is no honor, there is shame. 4 The words of a man’s mouth ...
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Proverbs 18 - New King James Version (NKJV)

The Name of the Lord Is a Strong Tower18 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;He rages against all [a]wise judgment. 2 A fool has no delight in understanding,But in expressing his (A)own heart. 3 When the wicked comes, contempt comes also;And with dishonor comes reproach. 4 (B)The words o...
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Proverbs 18 - New International Version - UK (NIVUK)

18 An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels. 2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. 3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes reproach. 4 The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the...
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Proverbs 18 - New International Version (NIV)

18 An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels. 2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.(A) 3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes reproach. 4 The words of the mouth are deep waters,(B) b...
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Proverbs 18 - New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

18 A person who isn’t friendly looks out only for themselves. They oppose all good sense by starting fights. 2 Foolish people don’t want to understand. They take delight in saying only what they think. 3 People hate it when evil comes. And they refuse to honor those who bring shame. 4 The words of a...
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Proverbs 18 - New English Translation (NET)

18 One who has isolated himself[a] seeks his own desires;[b]he rejects[c] all sound judgment.2 A fool takes no pleasure[d] in understandingbut only in disclosing[e] what is on his mind.[f]3 When a wicked person[g] arrives, contempt[h] shows up with him,[i]and with shame comes[j] a reproach.4 The wor...
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