Proverbs 18 · Clearspring

The Selfishness of the Unfriendly

¹He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.+ ²A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.+ ³With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace.+ ⁴The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.+ ⁵Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.+ ⁶A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.+ ⁷A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.+ ⁸The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.+ ⁹Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.+ ¹⁰The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.+ ¹¹A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination.+ ¹²Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.+ ¹³He who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace to him.+ ¹⁴The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?+ ¹⁵The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.+ ¹⁶A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.+ ¹⁷The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.+ ¹⁸Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.+ ¹⁹An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle.+ ²⁰From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.+ 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.+ ²³The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.+ ²⁴A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.+

The Selfishness of the Unfriendly

Study Proverbs 18