18
1 A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses;
But at all times he will be liable to reproach.
2 A senseless man feels no need of wisdom,
For he is rather led by folly.
3 When an ungodly man comes into a depth of evils, he despises them;
But dishonor and reproach come upon him.
4 A word in the heart of a man is a deep water,
And a river and fountain of life spring forth.
5 It is not good to accept the person of the ungodly,
Nor is it holy to pervert justice in judgment.
6 The lips of a fool bring him into troubles,
And his bold mouth calls for death.
7 A fool’s mouth is ruin to him,
And his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 Fear casts down the slothful;
And the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.
9 A man who helps not himself by his labor
Is brother of him that ruins himself.
10 The name of the Lord is of great strength;
And the righteous running to it are exalted.
11 The wealth of a rich man is a strong city;
And its glory casts a broad shadow.
12 Before ruin a man’s heart is exalted,
And before honor it is humble.
13 Whoso answers a word before he hears a cause,
It is folly and reproach to him.
14 A wise servant calms a man’s anger;
But who can endure a faint-hearted man?
15 The heart of the sensible man purchases discretion;
And the ears of the wise seek understanding.
16 A man’s gift enlarges him,
And seats him among princes.
17 A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech,
But when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved.
18 A silent man quells strifes,
And determines between great powers.
19 A brother helped by a brother is as a strong and high city;
And is as strong as a well-founded palace.
20 A man fills his belly with the fruits of his mouth;
And he shall be satisfied with the fruits of his lips.
21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue;
And they that rule it shall eat the fruits thereof.
22 He that has found a good wife has found favors,
And has received gladness from God.
22a He that puts away a good wife, puts away a good thing,
And he that keeps an adulteress is foolish and ungodly.