Proverbs 18:1-24 NIV

Proverbs 18:1-24 NIV [1] An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels. [2] Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. [3] When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes reproach. [4] The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream. [5] It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice. [6] The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating. [7] The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives. [8] The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts. [9] One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys. [10] The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. [11] The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale. [12] Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. [13] To answer before listening—that is folly and shame. [14] The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? [15] The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. [16] A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great. [17] In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines. [18] Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart. [19] A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel. [20] From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. [21] The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. [22] He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD. [23] The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly. [24] One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

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