1One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires;
he rebels against all sound wisdom.
2A fool does not delight in understanding,
3When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes,
and along with dishonor, derision.
a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.18:4 Or waters; a fountain of wisdom is a flowing river
denying an innocent person justice.18:5 Pr 17:15
6A fool’s lips lead to strife,
and his mouth provokes a beating.18:6 Pr 19:29
7A fool’s mouth is his devastation,
8A gossip’s words are like choice food
that goes down to one’s innermost being.18:8 Lit to the chambers of the belly18:8 Pr 26:22
9The one who is lazy in his work
is brother to a vandal.18:9 Lit master of destruction18:9 Pr 28:24
the righteous run to it and are protected.18:10 Lit raised high18:10 Pr 29:25
11The wealth of the rich is his fortified city;
in his imagination it is like a high wall.18:11 Pr 10:15
13The one who gives an answer before he listens —
this is foolishness and disgrace for him.18:13 Pr 15:28
14A person’s spirit can endure sickness,
15The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,
16A person’s gift opens doors18:16 Lit gift makes room for him
17The first to state his case seems right
until another comes and cross-examines him.18:17 1Kg 3:16–28
and separates powerful opponents.
19An offended brother is harder to reach18:19 LXX, Syr, Tg, Vg read is stronger
than a fortified city,
and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.
20From the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach is satisfied;
21Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and obtains favor from the Lord.18:22 Pr 8:35
but the rich one answers roughly.18:23 Jms 2:6
24One with many friends may be harmed,18:24 Some LXX mss, Syr, Tg, Vg read friends must be friendly
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