Proverbs 18

A friend closer than a brother

Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense.a ²Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.b ³Doing wrong leads to disgrace, and scandalous behavior brings contempt.

⁴Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook. ⁵It is not right to acquit the guilty or deny justice to the innocent. ⁶Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.

⁷The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.c ⁸Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart. ⁹A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.d

¹⁰The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.e ¹¹The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety. ¹²Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.f

¹³Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.g ¹⁴The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?h ¹⁵Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.i

¹⁶Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people! ¹⁷The first to speak in court sounds right— until the cross-examination begins.j ¹⁸Flipping a coin can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents.

¹⁹An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars. ²⁰Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. ²¹The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.k

²²The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord.l ²³The poor plead for mercy; the rich answer with insults. ²⁴There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.m