10The LORD’s name is a strong tower: the righteous run to him, and are safe.
11The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, like an unscalable wall in his own imagination.
12Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honour is humility.
13He who answers before he hears, that is folly and shame to him.
14A man’s spirit will sustain him in sickness, but a crushed spirit, who can bear?
15The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.
17He who pleads his cause first seems right— until another comes and questions him.
18The lot settles disputes, and keeps strong ones apart.
19A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city. Disputes are like the bars of a fortress.
20A man’s stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth. With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.
21Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit.
22Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favour of the LORD.
23The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.
24A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18
Proverbs 18:10-24