18 Through
desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with
all wisdom. 2 A
fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover
itself. 3 When
the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach. 4 The
words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom
as a flowing brook. 5 It
is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous
in judgment. 6 A
fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. 7 A
fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. 8 The
words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost
parts of the belly. 9 He
also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster. 10 The
name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and
is safe. 11 The
rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit. 12 Before
destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
13
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto
him. 14 The
spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can
bear? 15 The
heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh
knowledge. 16 A man's
gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. 17 He
that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and
searcheth him. 18 The
lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty. 19 A brother
offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are
like the bars of a castle. 20 A man's
belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase
of his lips shall he be filled. 21 Death
and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat
the fruit thereof. 22 Whoso
findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. 23 The
poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly. 24 A man
that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that
sticketh closer than a brother.