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Second Edition · Explore Scripture, one passage at a time.
18:1 One who has isolated himself seeks his own desires; he rejects all sound judgment. 18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding but only in disclosing what is on his mind. 18:3 When a wicked person arrives, contempt shows up with him, and with shame comes a reproach. 18:4 The words of a person’s mouth are like deep waters, and the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook. 18:5 It is terrible to show partiality to the wicked by depriving a righteous man of justice. 18:6 The lips of a fool enter into strife, and his mouth invites a flogging. 18:7 The mouth of a fool is his ruin, and his lips are a snare for his life. 18:8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels, and they have gone down into the person’s innermost being. 18:9 The one who is slack in his work is a brother to one who destroys. 18:10 The name of the Lord is like a strong tower; the righteous person runs to it and is set safely on high. 18:11 The wealth of a rich person is like a strong city, and it is like a high wall in his imagination. 18:12 Before destruction the heart of a person is proud, but humility comes before honor. 18:13 The one who gives an answer before he listens — that is his folly and his shame. 18:14 A person’s spirit sustains him through sickness— but who can bear a crushed spirit? 18:15 The discerning person acquires knowledge, and the wise person seeks knowledge. 18:16 A person’s gift makes room for him and leads him before important people. 18:17 The first to state his case seems right, until his opponent begins to cross-examine him. 18:18 A toss of a coin ends disputes and settles the issue between strong opponents. 18:19 A relative offended is harder to reach than a strong city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a fortified citadel. 18:20 From the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; with the product of his lips he will be satisfied. 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love its use will eat its fruit. 18:22 The one who has found a good wife has found what goodness is and obtained a delightful gift from the Lord. 18:23 A poor person makes supplications, but a rich man answers harshly. 18:24 There are companions who harm one another, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
NET Bible Second Edition. Copyright 2017 Biblical Studies Press
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