proverbs

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  12. 12
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  18. 18
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18 
A loner is out to get what he wants for himself.

He opposes all sound reasoning.

2 A fool does not find joy in understanding

but only in expressing his own opinion.

3 When wickedness comes, contempt also comes,

and insult comes along with disgrace.

4 The words of a person’s mouth are like deep waters.

The fountain of wisdom is an overflowing stream.

5 It is not good to be partial toward a wicked person,

thereby depriving an innocent person of justice.

6 By talking, a fool gets into an argument,

and his mouth invites a beating.

7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin.

His lips are a trap to his soul.

8 The words of a gossip are swallowed greedily,

and they go down into a person’s innermost being.

How to Avoid Fools and Foolishness

9 Whoever is lazy in his work is related to a vandal.

10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower.

A righteous person runs to it and is safe.

11 A rich person’s wealth is his strong city

and is like a high wall in his imagination.

12 Before destruction a person’s heart is arrogant,

but humility comes before honor.

13 Whoever gives an answer before he listens is stupid and shameful.

14 A person’s spirit can endure sickness,

but who can bear a broken spirit?

15 The mind of a person who has understanding acquires knowledge.

The ears of wise people seek knowledge.

16 A gift opens doors for the one who gives it

and brings him into the presence of great people.

17 The first to state his case seems right

⌞until⌟ his neighbor comes to cross-examine him.

18 Flipping a coin ends quarrels

and settles ⌞issues⌟ between powerful people.

19 An offended brother is more ⌞resistant⌟ than a strong city,

and disputes are like the locked gate of a castle tower.

20 A person’s speaking ability provides for his stomach.

His talking provides him a living.

21 The tongue has the power of life and death,

and those who love to talk will have to eat their own words.

22 Whoever finds a wife finds something good

and has obtained favor from the Lord.

23 A poor person is timid when begging,

but a rich person is blunt when replying.

24 Friends can destroy one another,[a]

but a loving friend can stick closer than family.

Footnotes

  1. 18:24 Or “A person has friends as companions.”