18:1 An unfriendly man pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment.
18:2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion.
18:3 When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and with shame comes disgrace.
18:4 The words of a mans 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 fools lips come into strife, and his mouth invites beatings.
18:7 A fools 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 persons 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 mans 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 mans 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 mans 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 mans 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 plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.
18:24 A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.