Proverbs 18:13-23

¹³Replying before hearing is stupidity and shame.

¹⁴With a brave spirit you can put up with sickness, but if it's crushed, you can't bear it.

¹⁵An intelligent mind acquires knowledge; the wise are ready to hear knowledge.

¹⁶A gift opens doors for you, and gets you into the presence of important people.

¹⁷The first person to plead a case sounds right until someone comes to cross-examine them.

¹⁸Casting lots can end disputes and decide between powerful people.

¹⁹A brother you've offended is harder to win back than a fortified town. Arguments keep people apart like bars on the doors of a fortress.

²⁰Make sure you're satisfied with what you say—you have to live with your words.

²¹What you say has the power to bring life or to kill; those who love talking will have to deal with the consequences.

²²If you find a wife, that's great, and you'll be blessed by the Lord.

²³The poor beg for mercy, but the rich reply harshly.