17The first person to present his case in court seems right, but when ◄someone else/his opponent► begins to ask him questions, it may become clear that what he said was not true.
18If two influential/important people are arguing, someone can settle the matter by ◄casting lots/throwing marked stones to decide who is right►.
19If you help relatives, they will protect you like SIM a strong wall protects a city, but if you quarrel with them, that will separate you from them like bars on a city gate separate the city from those who want to enter it MET.
20People are happy when they hear others say MTY something that is good, like they are happy when they eat food that is good MET.
21What you say can cause others to be killed or it can cause them to continue to live; so those who like to talk a lot must ◄accept the consequences/realize that what they say can cause much harm►.
22If you marry a good woman, that is like finding a wonderful thing; it shows that Yahweh is pleased with you.
23It is necessary for poor people to speak politely when they request rich people to do something for them, but rich people reply very impolitely when poor people speak to them.
24There are some people who only pretend to be friends with us, but there are some friends who are more loyal than members of our families.
Proverbs 18
Proverbs 18:17-24