CHAPTER 18
1 He that will go away from a friend, seeketh occasions, that is, feigneth causes; in all time he shall be despisable.
2 A fool receiveth not the words of prudence; no but thou say those things, that be turned in his heart.
3 A wicked man, when he cometh into depth of sins, despiseth whole-some lore, and commandment; but scandal and shame pursueth [or followeth] him.
4 Deep water is the words of the mouth of a man; and a strand floating over is the well of wisdom.
5 It is not good to take the person of a wicked man in doom, that thou bow away from the truth of doom.
6 The lips of a fool meddle [or mingle] themselves with chidings; and his mouth stirreth strives.
7 The mouth of a fool is[the] defouling of him; and his lips be the falling of his soul.
8 The words of a double-tongued man be as simple; and they come unto the inner things of the womb. Dread casteth down a slow man; forsooth the souls of men turned into women’s condition shall have hunger.
9 He that is nesh, and dissolute, either unsteadfast, in his work, is the brother of a man destroying his works.
10 A full strong tower is the name of the Lord; a just [or rightwise] man runneth to him, and [he] shall be enhanced.
11 The chattel [or substance] of a rich man is the city of his strength; and as a strong wall compassing him.
12 The heart of man is enhanced, before that it be broken; and it is made meek, before that it be glorified.
13 He that answereth before that he heareth, showeth himself to be a fool; and worthy of shame.
14 The spirit of a man sustaineth his feebleness; but who may sustain a spirit light to be wroth?
15 The heart of a prudent man shall hold steadfastly knowing; and the ear of wise men seeketh teaching.
16 The gift of a man alargeth his way; and maketh space to him before princes.
17 A just [or rightwise] man is the first accuser of himself; his friend cometh, and shall search him.
18 Lot ceaseth against-sayings; and deemeth also among mighty men.
19 A brother that is helped of a brother, is as a steadfast city; and [the] dooms be as the bars of cities.
20 A man’s womb shall be [ful] filled of the fruit of his mouth; and the seeds of his lips shall fill him.
21 Death and life be in the works of [the] tongue; they that love it, shall eat the fruits thereof.
22 He that findeth a good woman, findeth a good thing; and of the Lord he shall draw up mirth. He that putteth away a good woman, putteth away a good thing; but he that holdeth an adulteress, is a fool and unwise.
23 A poor man shall speak with beseechings; and a rich man shall speak sternly.
24 A man friendly to fellowship shall more be a friend, than a brother.