[[Proverbs 17|<< Proverbs 17]] | [[Proverbs|Proverbs]] | [[Proverbs 19|Proverbs 19 >>]] ### Proverbs 18 1 THROUGH desire a man, having separated himself, seeks _and_ intermeddles with all wisdom. ^1 2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. ^2 3 When the wicked comes, _then_ comes also contempt, and with ignominy reproach. ^3 4 The words of a man's mouth _are_ _as_ deep waters, _and_ the wellspring of wisdom _as_ a flowing brook. ^4 5 _It_ _is_ not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment. ^5 6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for strokes. ^6 7 A fool's mouth _is_ his destruction, and his lips _are_ the snare of his soul. ^7 8 The words of a talebearer _are_ as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. ^8 9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster. ^9 10 The name of the LORD _is_ a strong tower: the righteous runs into it, and is safe. ^10 11 The rich man's wealth _is_ his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit. ^11 12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honor _is_ humility. ^12 13 He that answers a matter before he hears _it_, it _is_ folly and shame unto him. ^13 14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? ^14 15 The heart of the prudent gets knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. ^15 16 A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. ^16 17 _He_ _that_ _is_ first in his own cause _seems_ just; but his neighbor comes and searches him. ^17 18 The lot causes contentions to cease, and parts between the mighty. ^18 19 A brother offended _is_ _harder_ _to_ _be_ _won_ than a strong city: and _their_ contentions _are_ like the bars of a castle. ^19 20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; _and_ with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. ^20 21 Death and life _are_ in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. ^21 22 _Whoso_ finds a wife finds a good _thing_, and obtains favor of the LORD. ^22 23 The poor uses intreaties; but the rich answers roughly. ^23 24 A man _that_ _hath_ friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend _that_ sticks closer than a brother. ^24