How Fools Talk
18 Whoever isolates himself pursues selfish ends;
he resists all sound advice.
2 A fool finds no satisfaction in trying to understand,
for he would rather express his own opinion.
3 When an evil person comes, contempt also comes,
along with dishonor and disgrace.
4 The words a man says are as deep waters—
a fountain of wisdom is an overflowing stream.
5 It’s not good to be partial towards an evil person,
thereby depriving the righteous of justice.
6 A fool’s words[a] bring strife,
and his mouth invites fighting.
7 A fool’s mouth is his unraveling,
and his lips entrap himself.
8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels
as they descend to the innermost parts of the body.
Avoiding Fools and Their Foolishness
9 Whoever is lazy regarding his work
is also a brother to the master of destruction.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
a righteous person rushes to it and is lifted up above the danger.[b]
11 The wealth of a rich person is his fortified city;
in his own imagination, it is like a high wall.
12 Before a man’s downfall, his mind[c] is arrogant,
but humility precedes honor.
13 Whoever answers before listening
is both foolish and shameful.
14 A man’s spirit can sustain him during his illness,
but who can bear a crushed spirit?
15 The mind[d] of a discerning person gains knowledge,
while the ears of wise people seek out knowledge.
16 A person’s gift opens doors for him,
bringing him access to important people.
17 The first to put forth his case seems right,
until someone else steps forward and cross-examines him.
18 Casting dice settles a dispute,
deciding between strong contenders.
19 An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city,
and his disputes are like the bars of a fortress.
20 The positive words that a man speaks[e] fill his stomach;
he will be satisfied with what his lips produce.
21 The power of the tongue is life and death—
those who love to talk[f] will eat what it produces.
22 Whoever finds a wife finds what is good,
and receives favor from the Lord.
23 The poor person pleads for mercy,
but the wealthy man responds harshly.
24 A man with many[g] friends can still be ruined,
but one who keeps on loving sticks closer than a brother.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 18:6 Lit. lips
- Proverbs 18:10 The Heb. lacks above the danger
- Proverbs 18:12 Lit. heart
- Proverbs 18:15 Lit. heart
- Proverbs 18:20 Lit. words from a man’s mouth
- Proverbs 18:21 Lit. love it
- Proverbs 18:24 The Heb. lacks many