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.
Proverbs 18
Proverbs 18:13-18