1 One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires;

he rebels against all sound wisdom.

2 A fool does not delight in understanding,

but only wants to show off his opinions.  * 18:2 Lit to uncover his heart,* 18:2 Pr 12:23; 13:16; Ec 10:3

3 When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes,

and along with dishonor, derision.

4 The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters,  * 18:4 Pr 20:5

a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.  * 18:4 Or waters; a fountain of wisdom is a flowing river

5 It is not good to show partiality to the guilty,  * 18:5 Lv 19:15; Dt 1:17; 24:17; Ps 15:5; 82:2; Pr 24:23–24; 28:21

denying an innocent person justice.  * 18:5 Pr 17:15

6 A fool’s lips lead to strife,

and his mouth provokes a beating.  * 18:6 Pr 19:29

7 A fool’s mouth is his devastation,

and his lips are a trap for his life.  * 18:7 Ps 64:8; 140:9; Pr 10:14; 12:13; 13:3; Ec 10:12

8 A gossip’s words are like choice food

that goes down to one’s innermost being.  * 18:8 Lit to the chambers of the belly,* 18:8 Pr 26:22

9 The one who is lazy in his work

is brother to a vandal.  * 18:9 Lit master of destruction,* 18:9 Pr 28:24

10 The name of the  Lord is a strong tower;  * 18:10 Ps 18:2; 61:3; 91:2; 144:2

the righteous run to it and are protected.  * 18:10 Lit raised high,* 18:10 Pr 29:25

11 The wealth of the rich is his fortified city;

in his imagination it is like a high wall.  * 18:11 Pr 10:15

12 Before his downfall a person’s heart is proud,  * 18:12 Pr 16:18

but humility comes before honor.  * 18:12 Pr 11:2; 15:33; 29:23

13 The one who gives an answer before he listens —

this is foolishness and disgrace for him.  * 18:13 Pr 15:28

14 A person’s spirit can endure sickness,

but who can survive a broken spirit?  * 18:14 Pr 15:13; 17:22

15 The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,

and the ear of the wise seeks it.  * 18:15 Pr 14:33; 15:14

16 A person’s gift opens doors  * 18:16 Lit gift makes room for him

and brings him before the great.  * 18:16 Gn 32:20; 1Sm 25:27; Pr 17:8; 19:6; 21:14

17 The first to state his case seems right

until another comes and cross-examines him.  * 18:17 1Kg 3:16–28

18 Casting the lot  * 18:18 Pr 16:33 ends quarrels

and separates powerful opponents.

19 An offended brother is harder to reach  * 18:19 LXX, Syr, Tg, Vg read is stronger

than a fortified city,

and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.

20 From the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach is satisfied;

he is filled with the product of his lips.  * 18:20 Pr 1:31; 12:14; 14:14

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

and those who love it will eat its fruit.  * 18:21 Pr 13:2; Mt 12:37; 15:11,18–20; Jms 3:8

22 A man who finds a wife finds a good thing  * 18:22 Pr 12:4; 19:14; 31:10–31

and obtains favor from the  Lord.  * 18:22 Pr 8:35

23 The poor person pleads,  * 18:23 Pr 19:7

but the rich one answers roughly.  * 18:23 Jms 2:6

24 One with many friends may be harmed,  * 18:24 Some LXX mss, Syr, Tg, Vg read friends must be friendly

but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.  * 18:24 Pr 17:17; 27:10; Jn 15:13