Prov 18

1 He who separates himself seeks [his own] desire, And rages against all sound wisdom. 2 A fool has no delight in understanding, But only that his heart may reveal itself. 3 When the wicked comes, there comes also contempt, And with ignominy [comes] reproach. 4 The words of a man`s mouth are [as] deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is [as] a flowing brook. 5 To respect the person of the wicked is not good, [Nor] to turn aside the righteous in judgment. 6 A fool`s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls" for stripes. 7 A fool`s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul. 8 The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts. 9 He also that is slack in his work Is brother to him whom is a destroyer. 10 The name of YHWH is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it, and is safe. 11 The rich man`s wealth is his strong city, And as a high wall in his own imagination. 12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor [goes] humility. 13 He who gives answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him. 14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear? 15 The heart of the prudent gets knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 16 A man`s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men. 17 He who pleads his cause first [seems] just; But his neighbor comes and searches him out. 18 The lot causes contentions to cease, And parts between the mighty. 19 A brother offended [is harder to be won] than a strong city; And [such] contentions are like the bars of a castle. 20 A man`s belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. 22 Whoso finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor of YHWH. 23 The poor uses entreaties; But the rich answers roughly. 24 He who makes many friends [does it] to his own destruction; But there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.