Proverbs 18

A friend closer than a brother

He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.a ²A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.b ³With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace.

⁴The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. ⁵Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice. ⁶A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.

⁷A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.c ⁸The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being. ⁹Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.d

¹⁰The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.e ¹¹A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination. ¹²Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.f

¹³He who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace to him.g ¹⁴The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?h ¹⁵The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.i

¹⁶A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men. ¹⁷The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.j ¹⁸Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.

¹⁹An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle. ²⁰From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied. ²¹Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.k

²²He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.l ²³The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly. ²⁴A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.m