BBE - Proverbs - 18

18:1  He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense.

18:2  A foolish man has no pleasure in good sense, but only to let what is in his heart come to light.

18:3  When the evil-doer comes, a low opinion comes with him, and with the loss of honour comes shame.

18:4  The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters: the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.

18:5  To have respect for the person of the evil-doer is not good, or to give a wrong decision against the upright.

18:6  A foolish man's lips are a cause of fighting, and his mouth makes him open to blows.

18:7  The mouth of a foolish man is his destruction, and his lips are a net for his soul.

18:8  The words of one who says evil of his neighbour secretly are like sweet food, and go down into the inner parts of the stomach.

18:9  He who does not give his mind to his work is brother to him who makes destruction.

18:10  The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the upright man running into it is safe.

18:11  The property of a man of wealth is his strong town, and it is as a high wall in the thoughts of his heart.

18:12  Before destruction the heart of man is full of pride, and before honour goes a gentle spirit.

18:13  To give an answer before hearing is a foolish thing and a cause of shame.

18:14  The spirit of a man will be his support when he is ill; but how may a broken spirit be lifted up?

18:15  The heart of the man of good sense gets knowledge; the ear of the wise is searching for knowledge.

18:16  A man's offering makes room for him, letting him come before great men.

18:17  The man who first puts his cause before the judge seems to be in the right; but then his neighbour comes and puts his cause in its true light.

18:18  The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong.

18:19  A brother wounded is like a strong town, and violent acts are like a locked tower.

18:20  With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be full; the produce of his lips will be his in full measure.

18:21  Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those to whom it is dear will have its fruit for their food.

18:22  Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord.

18:23  The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer.

18:24  There are friends who may be a man's destruction, but there is a lover who keeps nearer than a brother.