Proverbs 18

1 Selfish people only please themselves, they attack anything that makes good sense.

2 Stupid people have no interest in trying to understand, they only want to express their opinions.

3 With wickedness comes contempt; with dishonor comes disgrace.

4 People's words can be profound like deep waters, a gushing stream that is the source of wisdom.

5 It's not right to show favoritism to the guilty and rob the innocent of justice.

6 What stupid people say gets them into fights, as if they're asking for a beating.

7 Stupid people are caught out by what they say; their own words trap them.

8 Listening to gossip is like gulping down bites of your favorite food—they go deep down inside you.

9 Laziness and destruction are brothers.

10 The Lord is a protective tower that good people can run to and be safe.

11 Rich people see their wealth as a fortified town—it's like a high wall in their imagination.

12 Pride leads to destruction; humility goes before honor.

13 Replying before hearing is stupidity and shame.

14 With a brave spirit you can put up with sickness, but if it's crushed, you can't bear it.

15 An intelligent mind acquires knowledge; the wise are ready to hear knowledge.

16 A gift opens doors for you, and gets you into the presence of important people.

17 The first person to plead a case sounds right until someone comes to cross-examine them.

18 Casting lots can end disputes and decide between powerful people.

19 A brother you've offended is harder to win back than a fortified town. Arguments keep people apart like bars on the doors of a fortress. 1

Notes

+ The meaning of the Hebrew is unclear.

20 Make sure you're satisfied with what you say—you have to live with your words. 1

Notes

+ Many different interpretations have been given for the meaning of this verse.

21 What you say has the power to bring life or to kill; those who love talking will have to deal with the consequences.

22 If you find a wife, that's great, and you'll be blessed by the Lord.

23 The poor beg for mercy, but the rich reply harshly.

24 Some friends give up on you, but there's a friend who stays closer to you than a brother. 1

Notes

+ “Give up”: literally, “come to ruin.”