Proverbs 18 :: Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

A fool does not delight in understanding,

but only wants to show off his opinions.[fn]

When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes,

and along with dishonor, derision.

The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters,

a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.[fn]

It is not good to show partiality to the guilty,

denying an innocent person justice.

A fool’s lips lead to strife,

and his mouth provokes a beating.

A fool’s mouth is his devastation,

and his lips are a trap for his life.

A gossip’s words are like choice food

that goes down to one’s innermost being.[fn]

The one who is lazy in his work

is brother to a vandal.[fn]

The name of the LORD is a strong tower;

the righteous run to it and are protected.[fn]

The wealth of the rich is his fortified city;

in his imagination it is like a high wall.

Before his downfall a person’s heart is proud,

but humility comes before honor.

The one who gives an answer before he listens —

this is foolishness and disgrace for him.

A person’s spirit can endure sickness,

but who can survive a broken spirit?

The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,

and the ear of the wise seeks it.

A person’s gift opens doors[fn] for him

and brings him before the great.

The first to state his case seems right

until another comes and cross-examines him.

Casting the lot ends quarrels

and separates powerful opponents.

An offended brother is harder to reach[fn]

than a fortified city,

and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.

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

he is filled with the product of his lips.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

and those who love it will eat its fruit.

A man who finds a wife finds a good thing

and obtains favor from the LORD.

The poor person pleads,

but the rich one answers roughly.

One with many friends may be harmed,[fn]

but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.