Proverbs 18
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1Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense.1An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.
2Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.2Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.
3Doing wrong leads to disgrace, and scandalous behavior brings contempt.3When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes reproach.
4Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.4The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.
5It is not right to acquit the guilty or deny justice to the innocent.5It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice.
6Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.6The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating.
7The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.7The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives.
8Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.8The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.
9A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.9One who is slack in his work is brother to one 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 fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
11The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.11The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale.
12Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.12Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.
13Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.13To answer before listening-- that is folly and shame.
14The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?14The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?
15Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.15The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.
16Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people!16A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.
17The first to speak in court sounds right— until the cross-examination begins.17In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.
18Flipping a coin can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents.18Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.
19An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.19A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
20Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.20From the fruit of their mouth a person's stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.
21The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.21The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD.22He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.
23The poor plead for mercy; the rich answer with insults.23The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.
24There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.24One who has unreliable friends soon comes 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.New International Version (NIV)

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Proverbs 17
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