Chapter 18 - Avoid idle words

1 Through desire a man (having separated himself) seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

4 The words of a man's mouth are [as] deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom [as] a flowing brook.

5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

8 The words of a talebearer are [as] wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

10 The name (of the LORD) is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and [as] an high wall in his own conceit.

12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; 

but a wounded spirit who can bear?

15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; 

and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; 

but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: 

and their contentions are [like] the bars of a castle.

20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; 

and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: 

and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

23 The poor useth intreaties; 

but the rich answereth roughly.

24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: 

and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Chapter 19