Chapter 18

Sloth, contention, and gossip condemned


1

Through desire, a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

2

A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

3

When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

4

The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

5

It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

6

A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

7

A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

8

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

9

He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

10

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

11

The rich man's wealth is his strong city and as a high wall in his own conceit.

12

Before destruction, the heart of man is haughty; and before honor is humility.

13

He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

14

The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity. But a wounded spirit who can bear?

15

The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

16

A man's gift maketh room for him and bringeth him before great men.

17

He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbor cometh and searcheth him.

18

The lot causeth contentions to cease and parteth between the mighty.

19

A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

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.

21

Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

22

Whoso findeth a good wife hath obtained favor of the Lord.

23

The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

24

A man that hath friends must show himself friendly; and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.