Proverbs 18
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New King James VersionHolman Christian Standard Bible
1A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.1One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.
2A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart.2A fool does not delight in understanding, but only wants to show off his opinions.
3When the wicked comes, contempt comes also; And with dishonor comes reproach.3When a wicked man comes, contempt also does, and along with dishonor, disgrace.
4The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.4The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.
5It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, Or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.5It is not good to show partiality to the guilty by perverting the justice due the innocent.
6A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows.6A fool's lips lead to strife, and his mouth provokes a beating.
7A fool’s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.7A fool's mouth is his devastation, and his lips are a trap for his life.
8The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.8A gossip's words are like choice food that goes down to one's innermost being.
9He who is slothful in his work Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.9The one who is truly lazy in his work is brother to a vandal.
10The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.10The name of Yahweh is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected.
11The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own esteem.11A rich man's wealth is his fortified city; in his imagination it is like a high wall.
12Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility.12Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
13He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.13The one who gives an answer before he listens-- this is foolishness and disgrace for him.
14The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?14A man's spirit can endure sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?
15The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.15The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it.
16A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.16A gift opens doors for a man and brings him before the great.
17The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him.17The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
18Casting lots causes contentions to cease, And keeps the mighty apart.18Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates powerful opponents.
19A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.19An offended brother is harder to reach than a fortified city, and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.
20A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.20From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is satisfied; he is filled with the product of his lips.
21Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.21Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the LORD.22A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.
23The poor man uses entreaties, But the rich answers roughly.23The poor man pleads, but the rich one answers roughly.
24A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.24A man with many friends may be harmed, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Copyright © 1982 Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.
Proverbs 17
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