Proverbs 18

1 Selfish people only please themselves, they attack anything that makes good sense.

2 Stupid people have no interest in trying to understand, they only want to express their opinions.

3 With wickedness comes contempt; with dishonor comes disgrace.

4 People’s words can be profound like deep waters, a gushing stream that is the source of wisdom.

5 It’s not right to show favoritism to the guilty and rob the innocent of justice.

6 What stupid people say gets them into fights, as if they’re asking for a beating.

7 Stupid people are caught out by what they say; their own words trap them.

8 Listening to gossip is like gulping down bites of your favorite food—they go deep down inside you.

9 Laziness and destruction are brothers.

10 The Lord is a protective tower that good people can run to and be safe.

11 Rich people see their wealth as a fortified town—it’s like a high wall in their imagination.

12 Pride leads to destruction; humility goes before honor.

13 Replying before hearing is stupidity and shame.

14 With a brave spirit you can put up with sickness, but if it’s crushed, you can’t bear it.