1The one who lives alone is self-indulgent,

showing contempt for all who have sound judgement.18.1 Meaning of Heb uncertain

2A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,

but only in expressing personal opinion.

3When wickedness comes, contempt comes also;

and with dishonour comes disgrace.

4The words of the mouth are deep waters;

the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.

5It is not right to be partial to the guilty,

or to subvert the innocent in judgement.

6A fool's lips bring strife,

and a fool's mouth invites a flogging.

7The mouths of fools are their ruin,

and their lips a snare to themselves.

8The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;

they go down into the inner parts of the body.

9One who is slack in work

is close kin to a vandal.

10The name of the LORD is a strong tower;

the righteous run into it and are safe.

11The wealth of the rich is their strong city;

in their imagination it is like a high wall.

12Before destruction one's heart is haughty,

but humility goes before honour.

13If one gives answer before hearing,

it is folly and shame.

14The human spirit will endure sickness;

but a broken spirit—who can bear?

15An intelligent mind acquires knowledge,

and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16A gift opens doors;

it gives access to the great.

17The one who first states a case seems right,

until the other comes and cross-examines.

18Casting the lot puts an end to disputes

and decides between powerful contenders.

19An ally offended is stronger than a city;18.19 Gk Syr Vg Tg: Meaning of Heb uncertain

such quarrelling is like the bars of a castle.

20From the fruit of the mouth one's stomach is satisfied;

the yield of the lips brings satisfaction.

21Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

and those who love it will eat its fruits.

22He who finds a wife finds a good thing,

and obtains favour from the LORD.

23The poor use entreaties,

but the rich answer roughly.

24Some18.24 Syr Tg: Heb A man of friends play at friendship18.24 Cn Compare Syr Vg Tg: Meaning of Heb uncertain

but a true friend sticks closer than one's nearest kin.