Proverbs 18
JPS Tanakh (Jewish Publication Society, 1917)
World English Bible
1He that separateth himself seeketh his own desire, and snarlest against all sound wisdom.
1A man who isolates himself pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment.
2A fool hath no delight in understanding, but only that his heart may lay itself bare.
2A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion.
3When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
3When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and with shame comes disgrace.
4The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters; a flowing brook, a fountain of wisdom.
4The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.
5It is not good to respect the person of the wicked, so as to turn aside the righteous in judgment.
5To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, nor to deprive the innocent of justice.
6A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
6A fool’s lips come into strife, and his mouth invites beatings.
7A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
7A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
8The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: they go down into a person’s innermost parts.
9Even one that is slack in his work is brother to him that is a destroyer.
9One who is slack in his work is brother to him who is a master of destruction.
10The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is set up on high.
10The LORD’s name is a strong tower: the righteous run to him, and are safe.
11The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own conceit.
11The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, like an unscalable wall in his own imagination.
12Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honour goeth humility.
12Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility.
13He that giveth answer before he heareth, it is folly and confusion unto him.
13He who answers before he hears, that is folly and shame to him.
14The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a broken spirit who can bear?
14A man’s spirit will sustain him in sickness, but a crushed spirit, who can bear?
15The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
15The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
16A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.
17He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him out.
17He who pleads his cause first seems right— until another comes and questions him.
18The lot causeth strife to cease, and parteth asunder the contentious.
18The lot settles disputes, and keeps strong ones apart.
19A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
19A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city. Disputes are like the bars of a fortress.
20A man's belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; with the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied.
20A man’s stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth. With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.
21Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that indulge it shall eat the fruit thereof.
21Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit.
22Whoso findeth a wife findeth a great good, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
22Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of the LORD.
23The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth impudently.
23The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.
24There are friends that one hath to his own hurt; but there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
24A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
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