Proverbs Chapter 18
Prov 17:25-28
1 Unfriendly people pursue selfish ends;
and don’t use common sense.
2Fools don’t delight in learning,
only in telling what they think.
3 When sinners come, contempt comes with them;
and with dishonor comes disgrace.
4Wise thoughts are deep water;
wisdom is the spring for a babbling brook.
5 Don’t cater to bad people
or deprive the good of justice.
6Fools’ lips instigate conflict;
their mouths are asking for a slap.
Prov 18:1-6
7 The mouths of fools bring about their ruin;
their lips serve as snares to them.
8Rumors are like delicious morsels;
they just work their way down inside you!
9 People that aren’t productive
are relatives of those who destroy.
10Yahveh’s name is a strong tower;
escape to it for safety.
11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city;
in their imagination it’s like a high wall.
12Pride goes before destruction;
humility precedes honor.
Prov 18:7-12
13 Popping off an answer before listening to the question
is foolish and shameful.
14The human spirit can survive a sick body,
but who can endure a broken spirit?
15 The wise search for knowledge;
the prudent acquire it.
16Generosity opens doors
and connects you with important people.
17 The first to argue a case in court
sounds convincing till someone cross-examines.
18Casting lots ends contentions;
it settles disputes between powerful contenders.
Prov 18:13-18
19 Winning back an offended brother
is harder than conquering a fortified city;
arguments become like the barred gates of a fortress.
20What the mouth says satisfies the inner self;
what the lips express brings satisfaction.
21 The tongue wields the power of life and death;
those who love it will reap its consequences.
22A man that finds a wife finds something good
and obtains Yahveh’s blessing.
23 The poor ask for help;
the rich answer roughly.
24Someone with lots of “friends” may come to ruin,
but there’s a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Prov 18:19-24