Moff PROV Chapter 18

18 

q1 A slanderer is always on the outlook

he will do anything to make mischief.

2 

A fool has no delight in learning,

but only in displaying what he is.

3 

Vice leads to contempt,

and shameful ways to scorn.

4 

The words of wise men are a deep pool,

a flowing stream, a fountain of life.

5 

It is not fair to favour the guilty,

or to decide against the innocent.

6 

A fool’s talk gets him into trouble,

his tongue brings him a beating.

7 

A fool’s tongue is the ruin of him,

his talk is a snare to himself.

8 

The words of a slanderer are like dainty morsels

swallowed and relished to the full.

9 

A man slack at his wor

is as bad as a waster.

10 

The Eternal is a tower of strength:

good men run in and are secure.

11 

A rich man’s wealth is his stronghold,

like a bulwark--so he thinks!

12 

Haughtiness ends in disaster

to be humble is the way to honour.

13 

To answer a question before you have heard it

is silly and shameful.

14 

A man of spirit bears his trouble

but who can bear a broken spirit?

15 

The thoughtful mind is eager to know more;

the wise man longs to learn.

16 

A present paves the way for any suitor,

it wins him access to authorities.

17 

The man who pleads first seems to be in the right

then comes the other man and sifts his case.

18 

The lot ends a dispute,

it decides between powerful parties.

19 

A man backed by his brother is in a strong position

as well placed as a powerful citadel.

20 

A man must answer for his utterances,

and take the consequences of his words.

21 

Death and life are determined by the tongue:

the talkative must take the consequences.

22 

To gain a good wife is to gain a fortune--

a boon bestowed by the Eternal

23 

Poor men entreat:

the rich give a rough answer.

24 

There are friends who only bring you loss:

there is a friend more loyal than a brother.