Proverbs 18:1-17

¹A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses; but at all times he will be liable to reproach.

²A senseless man feels no need of wisdom, for he is rather led by folly.

³When an ungodly man comes into a depth of evils, he despises them; but dishonor and reproach come upon him.

⁴A word in the heart of a man is a deep water, and a river and fountain of life spring forth.

⁵It is not good to accept the person of the ungodly, nor is it holy to pervert justice in judgment.

⁶The lips of a fool bring him into troubles, and his bold mouth calls for death.

⁷A fool's mouth is ruin to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

⁸Fear casts down the slothful; and the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.

⁹A man who helps not himself by his labor is brother of him that ruins himself.

¹⁰The name of the Lord is of great strength; and the righteous running to it are exalted.

¹¹The wealth of a rich man is a strong city; and its glory casts a broad shadow.

¹²Before ruin a man's heart is exalted, and before honor it is humble.

¹³Whoso answers a word before he hears a cause, it is folly and reproach to him.

¹⁴A wise servant calms a man's anger; but who can endure a faint-hearted man?

¹⁵The heart of the sensible man purchases discretion; and the ears of the wise seek understanding.

¹⁶A man's gift enlarges him, and seats him among princes.

¹⁷A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech, but when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved.