Proverbs 18
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New American Standard Bible 1995New Living Translation
1He who separates himself seeks his own desire, He quarrels against all sound wisdom.1Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense.
2A fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own mind.2Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.
3When a wicked man comes, contempt also comes, And with dishonor comes scorn.3Doing wrong leads to disgrace, and scandalous behavior brings contempt.
4The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.4Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.
5To show partiality to the wicked is not good, Nor to thrust aside the righteous in judgment.5It is not right to acquit the guilty or deny justice to the innocent.
6A fool's lips bring strife, And his mouth calls for blows.6Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.
7A fool's mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul.7The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.
8The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.8Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.
9He also who is slack in his work Is brother to him who destroys.9A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.
10The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe.10The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.
11A rich man's wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own imagination.11The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.
12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, But humility goes before honor.12Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.
13He who gives an answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him.13Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.
14The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, But as for a broken spirit who can bear it?14The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?
15The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.15Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.
16A man's gift makes room for him And brings him before great men.16Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people!
17The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him.17The first to speak in court sounds right— until the cross-examination begins.
18The cast lot puts an end to strife And decides between the mighty ones.18Flipping a coin can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents.
19A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a citadel.19An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.
20With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be satisfied; He will be satisfied with the product of his lips.20Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.
21Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.21The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
22He who finds a wife finds a good thing And obtains favor from the LORD.22The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD.
23The poor man utters supplications, But the rich man answers roughly.23The poor plead for mercy; the rich answer with insults.
24A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.24There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.
New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit //www.lockman.orgHoly Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 17
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