Proverbs

18 A man seeketh for satisfaction going his own way, Through all safe counsel he breaketh.

2 A dullard delighteth not in understanding, In nothing save the exposing of his own heart.

3 When the lawless man cometh in then cometh also contempt, And with shame reproach.

4 Deep waters are the words of a man’s mouth,—A bubbling brook the well-spring of wisdom.

5 To prefer a lawless man is not good, Thrusting away the righteous in judgment.

6 The lips of a dullard enter into contention, And his mouth for blows crieth out.

7 The mouth of a dullard is his ruin, And his lips are a snare to his soul.

8 The words of a tattler are dainties, They therefore go down into the chambers of the inner man.

9 Surely he that is slothful in his work Brother is he to a master at laying waste.

10 A tower of strength is the Name of Yahweh, Thereinto runneth the righteous and is safe.

11 The substance of a rich man is his strong city, And like a high wall in his imagination.

12 Before grievous injury a man’s heart is haughty, And before honour is humility.

13 He that answereth before he heareth A folly it is to him and a reproach.

14 The spirit of a man sustaineth his sickness, But a dejected spirit who can bear it?

15 The heart of the intelligent acquireth knowledge, Yea the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

16 The gift of a man maketh room for him, And before great men setteth him down.

17 Righteous is he that is first in his own cause, Then cometh his neighbour and thoroughly searcheth him.

18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, And the mighty it parteth.

19 A brother estranged [is worse] than a strong city,—And contentions are as the bar of a citadel.

20 Of the fruit of a man’s mouth shall his inmost mind be satisfied, With the product of his lips shall he be satisfied.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And its friends shall eat its fruits.

22 Who hath found a wife hath found a blessing, And hath obtained favour from Yahweh.

23 Supplications doth the poor man utter, But the rich answereth fiercely.

24 A man having [many] friends shall come to ruin, But there is a loving one who sticketh closer than a brother.