Proverbs 18

Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

A man, driven by his desires, isolates himself and passionately pursues all forms of wisdom.

A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

A fool doesn't seek wisdom, he only cares about expressing his own views.

When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

When evil arrives, it brings along disrespect and shameful insults.

The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

A person's words can be as profound as the ocean, and their wisdom can flow as effortlessly as a stream.

It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

It's wrong to favor the wicked and unjustly judge the righteous.

A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

A foolish person's words often lead to arguments, and their mouth is asking for a beating.

A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

A fool's words lead to his downfall, and his own speech traps his spirit.

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

Gossip's words can deeply hurt, reaching the very core of one's being.

He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

If you're lazy at work, you're no different than someone who squanders a lot.

The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

God's name is a powerful sanctuary; the good-hearted seek refuge in it and find protection.

The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

A wealthy man sees his riches as his fortress, an unscalable wall that exists only in his imagination.

Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

Before downfall, a person's heart is filled with arrogance, but humility comes before honor.

He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

Jumping to conclusions without understanding the situation is foolish and embarrassing.

The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

A person's spirit can endure physical pain, but who can survive a broken spirit?

The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

A careful heart gains wisdom, and a wise person always listens to learn.

A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

A gift given opens doors for a person and brings him before influential people.

He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

A person may seem right when telling their side of the story first; but when their neighbor comes and investigates, the truth may be revealed.

The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

Drawing lots settles disputes and separates the powerful.

A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

Hurting your sibling's feelings can create a divide tougher to mend than breaking through a fortified city's walls. Their arguments can feel as unyielding as a castle's iron bars.

A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

A person will feel content by the words they speak, and their speech will bring them abundance.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

The words you speak can either bring life or cause death; those who love to talk will eat the fruit of their words.

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

Whoever finds a wife, discovers a treasure, and receives blessings from God.

The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

The less fortunate plead gently, yet the wealthy often respond harshly.

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

To have friends, one must be kind and friendly. Some friends are even more loyal than family.