18:1 An unfriendly man pursues selfishness, And defies all sound judgment.

18:2 A fool has no delight in understanding, But only in broadcasting his own opinion.

18:3 When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, And with shame comes disgrace.

18:4 The words of a man`s mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.

18:5 To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, Nor to deprive the innocent of justice.

18:6 A fool`s lips come into strife, And his mouth invites beatings.

18:7 A fool`s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are a snare to his soul.

18:8 The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: They go down into a person`s innermost parts.

18:9 One who is slack in his work Is brother to him who is a master of destruction.

18:10 The name of Yahweh is a strong tower: The righteous run to him, and are safe.

18:11 The rich man`s wealth is his strong city, Like an unscalable wall in his own imagination.

18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is proud, But before honor is humility.

18:13 He who gives answer before he hears, That is folly and shame to him.

18:14 A man`s spirit will sustain him in sickness, But a crushed spirit who can bear?

18:15 The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

18:16 A man`s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.

18:17 He who pleads his cause first seems right; Until another comes and questions him.

18:18 The lot settles disputes, And keeps strong ones apart.

18:19 A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city; And disputes are like the bars of a castle.

18:20 A man`s stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth. With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.

18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; Those who love it will eat its fruit.

18:22 Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor of Yahweh.

18:23 The poor pleads for mercy, But the rich answers harshly.