MSB PROV Chapter 18

The Selfishness of the Unfriendly

18 He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires;

he rebels against all sound judgment.

2 A fool does not delight in understanding,

but only in airing his opinions.

3 With a wicked [man] comes contempt as well,

and shame is accompanied by disgrace.

4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;

the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

5 Showing partiality[fn] to the wicked is not good,

nor is depriving the innocent of justice.

6 A fool’s lips bring him strife,

and his mouth invites a beating.

7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin

and his lips [are] a snare to his soul.

8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels

that go down into the inmost being.

9 Whoever is slothful in his work

is brother to him who destroys.

10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower;

the righteous run to it[fn] and are safe.

11 A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city;

it is like a high wall in his imagination.

12 Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud,

but humility comes before honor.

13 He who answers a matter before he hears [it]—

this [is] folly and disgrace to him.

14 The spirit of a man can endure his sickness,

but who can survive a broken spirit?

15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,

and the ear of the wise seeks it out.

16 A man’s gift opens doors for him,

and brings him before great men.

17 The first to state his case seems right

until another comes and cross-examines him.

18 Casting the lot ends quarrels

and separates strong opponents.

19 An offended brother [is harder to win] than a fortified city,

and disputes are like the bars of a castle.

20 From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled;

with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.

21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue,

and those who love [it] will eat its fruit.

22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing

and obtains favor from the LORD.

23 The poor man pleads for mercy,

but the rich man answers harshly.

24 A man of many companions may come to ruin,

but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.