18:1 An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends he defies all sound judgment.
18:2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.
18:3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes disgrace.
18:4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
18:5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the innocent of justice.
18:6 A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.
18:7 A fool’s mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
18:8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels they go down to a man’s inmost parts.
18:9 One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.
18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower the righteous run to it and are safe.
18:11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city they imagine it an unscalable wall.
18:12 Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honour.
18:13 He who answers before listening that is his folly and his shame.
18:14 A man’s spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?
18:15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge the ears of the wise seek it out.
18:16 A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great.
18:17 The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.
18:18 Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.
18:19 An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
18:20 From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.
18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
18:22 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favour from the LORD.
18:23 A poor man pleads for mercy, but a rich man answers harshly.
18:24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.