Proverbs 18

1Whoever keeps apart from others pursues selfish desires and lashes out at all good sense. 2A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, only in airing his own opinions. 3With wickedness comes contempt, and with shame comes disgrace. 4A person’s words can be deep waters, and the spring of wisdom a rushing stream. 5It is not good to favor the guilty or to deny justice to the innocent. 6A fool’s lips lead him into quarrels, and his mouth asks for a beating. 7A fool’s mouth is his undoing, and his lips trap his own life. 8Gossip is like tasty bites of food; it goes all the way down inside. 9Anyone who is slack in their work is close kin to someone who destroys. 10The name of the LORD is a fortress tower; the righteous run to it and are kept safe on high. 11The rich think their wealth is a fortified city, a high wall around them, but only in their imagination. 12A proud heart goes before a fall, and humility comes before honor. 13To answer before listening is foolish and shameful. 14The human spirit can hold up under illness, but who can bear a broken spirit? 15A discerning mind gains knowledge, and the wise listen out for more. 16A gift opens doors for the giver and brings him into the presence of the great. 17The first to state a case sounds right, until the other side comes and asks questions. 18Casting lots settles disputes and keeps powerful opponents apart. 19A brother wronged is harder to win back than a fortified city; quarrels are like the bolted gates of a castle. 20People will be filled by the fruit of their words; they will be satisfied by the harvest of their lips. 21The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love to talk will eat what it produces. 22The man who finds a wife finds something good and receives favor from the LORD. 23The poor must beg for mercy; the rich can afford to answer roughly. 24Someone with many companions may still be ruined, but some friends stay closer than a brother.