18
1 Selfish people only please themselves, they attack anything that makes good sense.
2 Stupid people have no interest in trying to understand, they only want to express their opinions.
3 With wickedness comes contempt; with dishonor comes disgrace.
4 People's words can be profound like deep waters, a gushing stream that is the source of wisdom.
5 It's not right to show favoritism to the guilty and rob the innocent of justice.
6 What stupid people say gets them into fights, as if they're asking for a beating.
7 Stupid people are caught out by what they say; their own words trap them.
8 Listening to gossip is like gulping down bites of your favorite food—they go deep down inside you.
9 Laziness and destruction are brothers.
10 The Lord is a protective tower that good people can run to and be safe.
11 Rich people see their wealth as a fortified town—it's like a high wall in their imagination.
12 Pride leads to destruction; humility goes before honor.
13 Replying before hearing is stupidity and shame.
14 With a brave spirit you can put up with sickness, but if it's crushed, you can't bear it.
15 An intelligent mind acquires knowledge; the wise are ready to hear knowledge.
16 A gift opens doors for you, and gets you into the presence of important people.
17 The first person to plead a case sounds right until someone comes to cross-examine them.
18 Casting lots can end disputes and decide between powerful people.
19 A 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.
20 Make sure you're satisfied with what you say—you have to live with your words.†
21 What you say has the power to bring life or to kill; those who love talking will have to deal with the consequences.
22 If you find a wife, that's great, and you'll be blessed by the Lord.
23 The poor beg for mercy, but the rich reply harshly.
24 Some friends give up‡ on you, but there's a friend who stays closer to you than a brother.
* 18:19 The meaning of the Hebrew is unclear. † 18:20 Many different interpretations have been given for the meaning of this verse. ‡ 18:24 “Give up”: literally, “come to ruin.”