Proverbs – Chapter 18 The Bible – Old Testament Proverbs Chapter 18 1 In estrangement one seeks pretexts: with all persistence he picks a quarrel. 2 The fool takes no delight in understanding, but rather in displaying what he thinks. 3 With wickedness comes contempt, and with disgrace comes scorn. 4 The words from a man’s mouth are deep waters, but the source of wisdom is a flowing brook. 5 It is not good to be partial to the guilty, and so to reject a rightful claim. 6 The fool’s lips lead him into strife, and his mouth provokes a beating. 7 The fool’s mouth is his ruin; his lips are a snare to his life. 8 The words of a talebearer are like dainty morsels that sink into one’s inmost being. 9 The man who is slack in his work is own brother to the man who is destructive. 10 1 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the just man runs to it and is safe. 11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city; he fancies it a high wall. 12 2 Before his downfall a man’s heart is haughty, but humility goes before honors. 13 3 He who answers before he hears – his is the folly and the shame. 14 A man’s spirit sustains him in infirmity – but a broken spirit who can bear? 15 The mind of the intelligent gains knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 16 A man’s gift clears the way for him, and gains him access to great men. 17 The man who pleads his case first seems to be in the right; then his opponent comes and puts him to the test. 18 4 The lot puts an end to disputes, and is decisive in a controversy between the mighty. 19 A brother is a better defense than a strong city, and a friend is like the bars of a castle. 20 5 From the fruit of his mouth a man has his fill; with the yield of his lips he sates himself. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who make it a friend shall eat its fruit. 22 He who finds a wife finds happiness; it is a favor he receives from the LORD. 23 The poor man implores, but the rich man answers harshly. 24 Some friends bring ruin on us, but a true friend is more loyal than a brother. 1 [10-11] Religion is a strong support and sure refuge in the struggle of life. The rich foolishly rely on their wealth for such support. 2 [12] Compare the Savior’s words: «Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted» (⇒ Matthew 23:12). 3 [13] To speak without first listening is characteristic of a fool; cf ⇒ Proverb 10:14; ⇒ Sirach 11:8. 4 [18] See note on ⇒ Proverb 16:33. 5 [20-21] Everyone must accept the consequences, of benefit or harm to himself, which his words produce. Relacionado