Chapter 18

He that hath a mind to depart from a friend seeketh occasions: he shall ever be subject to reproach.

A fool receiveth not the words of prudence: unless thou say those things which are in his heart.

The wicked man when he is come into the depth of sins, contemneth: but ignominy and reproach follow him.

Words from the mouth of a man are as deep water: and the fountain of wisdom as an overflowing stream.

It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to decline from the truth of judgment.

The lips of a fool intermeddle with strife: and his mouth provoketh quarrels.

The mouth of a fool is his destruction: and his lips are the ruin of his soul.

The words of the double tongued are as if they were harmless: and they reach even to the inner parts of the bowels. Fear casteth down the slothful: and the souls of the effeminate shall be hungry.

He that is loose and slack in his work, is the brother of him that wasteth his own works.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the just runneth to it, and shall be exalted.

The substance of the rich man is the city of his strength, and as a strong wall compassing him about.

Before destruction, the heart of a man is exalted: and before he be glorified, it is humbled.

He that answereth before he heareth sheweth himself to be a fool, and worthy of confusion.

The spirit of a man upholdeth his infirmity: but a spirit that is easily angered, who can bear?

A wise heart shall acquire knowledge: and the ear of the wise seeketh instruction.

A man's gift enlargeth his way, and maketh him room before princes.

The just is first accuser of himself: his friend cometh, and shall search him.

The lot suppresseth contentions, and determineth even between the mighty.

A brother that is helped by his brother, is like a strong city: and judgments are like the bars of cities.

Of the fruit of a man's mouth shall his belly be satisfied: and the offspring of his lips shall fill him.

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

He that hath found a good wife, hath found a good thing, and shall receive a pleasure from the Lord. He that driveth away a good wife, driveth away a good thing: but he that keepeth an adulteress, is foolish and wicked.

The poor will speak with supplications, and the rich will speak roughly.

A man amiable in society, shall be more friendly than a brother.