Provérbios 18

1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;

He rages against all wise judgment.

2 A fool has no delight in understanding,

But in expressing his *Eccl. 10:3own heart.

3 When the wicked comes, contempt comes also;

And with dishonor comes reproach.

4 *Prov. 10:11The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;

*(James 3:17)The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.

5 Itis not good to show partiality to the wicked,

Or to overthrow the righteous in *Lev. 19:15; Deut. 1:17; 16:19; Ps. 82:2; Prov. 17:15judgment.

6 A fool’s lips enter into contention,

And his mouth calls for blows.

7 *Ps. 64:8; 140:9; Prov. 10:14A fool’s mouth is his destruction,

And his lips are the snare of his *Eccl. 10:12soul.

8 *Prov. 12:18The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles,

And they go down into the inmost body.

9 He who is slothful in his work

Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.

10 The name of the Lordis a strong *2 Sam. 22:2, 3, 33; Ps. 18:2; 61:3; 91:2; 144:2tower;

The righteous run to it and are safe.

11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,

And like a high wall in his own esteem.

12 *Prov. 15:33; 16:18Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty,

And before honor is humility.

13 He who answers a matter before he hears it,

It is folly and shame to him.

14 The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness,

But who can bear a broken spirit?

15 The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge,

And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16 *Gen. 32:20, 21; 1 Sam. 25:27; Prov. 17:8; 21:14A man’s gift makes room for him,

And brings him before great men.

17 The first one to plead his cause seems right,

Until his neighbor comes and examines him.

18 Casting *(Prov. 16:33)lots causes contentions to cease,

And keeps the mighty apart.

19 A brother offended ishardertowin than a strong city,

And contentions are like the bars of a castle.

20 *Prov. 12:14; 14:14A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth;

From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.

21 *Prov. 12:13; 13:3; Matt. 12:37Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

And those who love it will eat its fruit.

22 *Gen. 2:18; (Prov. 12:4; 19:14)Hewho finds a wife finds a good thing,

And obtains favor from the Lord.

23 The poor man uses entreaties,

But the rich answers *James 2:3, 6roughly.

24 A man whohas friends must himself be friendly,

*Prov. 17:17; (John 15:14, 15)But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.