Proverbs 18 — BBE

18Verse 1He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense.^{Verse 2}A foolish man has no pleasure in good sense, but only to let what is in his heart come to light.^{Verse 3}When the evil-doer comes, a low opinion comes with him, and with the loss of honour comes shame.^{Verse 4}The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters: the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.^{Verse 5}To have respect for the person of the evil-doer is not good, or to give a wrong decision against the upright.^{Verse 6}A foolish man's lips are a cause of fighting, and his mouth makes him open to blows.^{Verse 7}The mouth of a foolish man is his destruction, and his lips are a net for his soul.^{Verse 8}The words of one who says evil of his neighbour secretly are like sweet food, and go down into the inner parts of the stomach.^{Verse 9}He who does not give his mind to his work is brother to him who makes destruction.^{Verse 10}The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the upright man running into it is safe.^{Verse 11}The property of a man of wealth is his strong town, and it is as a high wall in the thoughts of his heart.^{Verse 12}Before destruction the heart of man is full of pride, and before honour goes a gentle spirit.^{Verse 13}To give an answer before hearing is a foolish thing and a cause of shame.^{Verse 14}The spirit of a man will be his support when he is ill; but how may a broken spirit be lifted up?^{Verse 15}The heart of the man of good sense gets knowledge; the ear of the wise is searching for knowledge.^{Verse 16}A man's offering makes room for him, letting him come before great men.^{Verse 17}The man who first puts his cause before the judge seems to be in the right; but then his neighbour comes and puts his cause in its true light.^{Verse 18}The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong.^{Verse 19}A brother wounded is like a strong town, and violent acts are like a locked tower.^{Verse 20}With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be full; the produce of his lips will be his in full measure.^{Verse 21}Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those to whom it is dear will have its fruit for their food.^{Verse 22}Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord.^{Verse 23}The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer.^{Verse 24}There are friends who may be a man's destruction, but there is a lover who keeps nearer than a brother.