Proverbs 18
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1Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense.1Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.
2Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.2A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
3Doing wrong leads to disgrace, and scandalous behavior brings contempt.3When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace.
4Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.4The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5It is not right to acquit the guilty or deny justice to the innocent.5It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice.
6Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.6A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.
7The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.7A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.8The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.
9A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.9Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.
10The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.10The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
11The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.11A rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination.
12Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.12Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.
13Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.13If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
14The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?14A man’s spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?
15Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.15An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people!16A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.
17The first to speak in court sounds right— until the cross-examination begins.17The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.
18Flipping a coin can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents.18The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders.
19An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.19A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
20Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.20From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
21The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.21Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
22The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD.22He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
23The poor plead for mercy; the rich answer with insults.23The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.
24There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.24A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.ESV Text Edition: 2016. The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text has been reproduced in cooperation with and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 17
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