Proverbs18

Proverbs 18 contrasts the pursuit of wisdom with the folly of the ignorant, emphasizing the destructive power of the tongue and the importance of righteous speech. It highlights the Lord as a strong tower for the righteous, contrasting this with the fleeting security of wealth. The chapter also touches on the value of humility, true friendship, and the blessing of a good wife.

The Pursuit of Wisdom and Justice

1
For an object of desire he who is separated doth seek, With all wisdom he intermeddleth.
2
A fool delighteth not in understanding, But--in uncovering his heart.
3
With the coming of the wicked come also hath contempt, And with shame--reproach.
4
Deep waters are the words of a man's mouth, The fountain of wisdom is a flowing brook.
5
Acceptance of the face of the wicked is not good, To turn aside the righteous in judgment.

The Danger of the Fool's Speech and Sloth

6
The lips of a fool enter into strife, And his mouth for stripes calleth.
7
The mouth of a fool is ruin to him, And his lips are the snare of his soul.
8
The words of a tale-bearer are as self-inflicted wounds, And they have gone down to the inner parts of the heart.
9
He also that is remiss in his work, A brother he is to a destroyer.

True and False Security

10
A tower of strength is the name of Jehovah, Into it the righteous runneth, and is set on high.
11
The wealth of the rich is the city of his strength, And as a wall set on high in his own imagination.
12
Before destruction the heart of man is high, And before honour is humility.

Wisdom in Judgment and Inner Strength

13
Whoso is answering a matter before he heareth, Folly it is to him and shame.
14
The spirit of a man sustaineth his sickness, And a smitten spirit who doth bear?
15
The heart of the intelligent getteth knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
16
The gift of a man maketh room for him, And before the great it leadeth him.
17
Righteous is the first in his own cause, His neighbour cometh and hath searched him.
18
The lot causeth contentions to cease, And between the mighty it separateth.

Relationships and the Power of the Tongue

19
A brother transgressed against is as a strong city, And contentions as the bar of a palace.
20
From the fruit of a man's mouth is his belly satisfied, From the increase of his lips he is satisfied.
21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those loving it eat its fruit.

Marriage and Friendship

22
Whoso hath found a wife hath found good, And bringeth out good-will from Jehovah.
23
With supplications doth the poor speak, And the rich answereth fierce things.
24
A man with friends is to show himself friendly, And there is a lover adhering more than a brother!
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