Proverbs 18:1-24 AMP

[1] He who [willfully] separates himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire, He quarrels against all sound wisdom. [2] A [closed-minded] fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his personal opinions [unwittingly displaying his self-indulgence and his stupidity]. [3] When the wicked man comes [to the depth of evil], contempt [of all that is pure and good] also comes, And with inner baseness (dishonor) comes outer shame (scorn). [4] The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters [copious and difficult to fathom]; The fountain of [mature, godly] wisdom is like a bubbling stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving]. [5] To show respect to the wicked person is not good, Nor to push aside and deprive the righteous of justice. [6] A fool’s lips bring contention and strife, And his mouth invites a beating. [7] A fool’s mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul. [8] The words of a whisperer (gossip) are like dainty morsels [to be greedily eaten]; They go down into the innermost chambers of the body [to be remembered and mused upon]. [9] He who is careless in his work Is a brother to him who destroys. [10] The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs to it and is safe and set on high [far above evil]. [11] The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall [of protection] in his own imagination and conceit. [12] Before disaster the heart of a man is haughty and filled with self-importance, But humility comes before honor. [13] He who answers before he hears [the facts]—It is folly and shame to him. [14] The spirit of a man sustains him in sickness, But as for a broken spirit, who can bear it? [15] The mind of the prudent [always] acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise [always] seeks knowledge. [16] A man’s gift [given in love or courtesy] makes room for him And brings him before great men. [17] The first one to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and cross-examines him. [18] To cast lots puts an end to quarrels And decides between powerful contenders. [19] A brother offended is harder to win over than a fortified city, And contentions [separating families] are like the bars of a castle. [20] A man’s stomach will be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; He will be satisfied with the consequence of his words. [21] Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words. [22] He who finds a [true and faithful] wife finds a good thing And obtains favor and approval from the LORD. [23] The poor man pleads, But the rich man answers roughly. [24] The man of too many friends [chosen indiscriminately] will be broken in pieces and come to ruin, But there is a [true, loving] friend who [is reliable and] sticks closer than a brother.