Sundry observations of moral virtues, and their contrary vices.

18:1 An unfriendly man pursues selfishness,
and defies all sound judgment.

18:2 A fool has no delight in understanding,
but only in revealing his own opinion.

18:3 When wickedness comes, contempt also comes,
and with shame comes disgrace.

18:4 The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters.
The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.

18:5 To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good,
nor to deprive the innocent of justice.

18:6 A fool’s lips come into strife,
and his mouth invites beatings.

18:7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction,
and his lips are a snare to his soul.

18:8 The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels:
they go down into a person’s innermost parts.

18:9 One who is slack in his work
is brother to him who is a master of destruction.

18:10 The name of Yahweh is a strong tower:
the righteous run to him, and are safe.

18:11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
like an unscalable wall in his own imagination.

18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is proud,
but before honor is humility.

18:13 He who gives answer before he hears,
that is folly and shame to him.

18:14 A man’s spirit will sustain him in sickness,
but a crushed spirit, who can bear?

18:15 The heart of the discerning gets knowledge.
The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

18:16 A man’s gift makes room for him,
and brings him before great men.

18:17 He who pleads his cause first seems right;
until another comes and questions him.

18:18 The lot settles disputes,
and keeps strong ones apart.

18:19 A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city;
and disputes are like the bars of a castle.

18:20 A man’s stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth.
With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.

18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue;
those who love it will eat its fruit.

18:22 Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing,
and obtains favor of Yahweh.

18:23 The poor plead for mercy,
but the rich answer harshly.

18:24 A man of many companions may be ruined,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.