Proverbs Chapter 18 to 19 : English Standard Version   | SearchSearch | Next Version | Previous Page | Next Page |

Other Versions18  18:1 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire;   he breaks out against all sound judgment. 2A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. 3When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace. 4The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. 5It is not good to be partial to[1] the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice. 6A fool’s lips walk into a fight, 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 whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body. 9Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys. 10The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. 11A rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination. 12Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. 13If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. 14A man’s spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? 15An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 16A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great. 17The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him. 18The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders. 19A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. 20From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. 21Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. 22He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. 23The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly. 24A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

[1] Hebrew to lift the face of


19 19:1 Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool. 2Desire[2] without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way. 3When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the Lord. 4Wealth brings many new friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend. 5A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape. 6Many seek the favor of a generous man,[3] and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts. 7All a poor man’s brothers hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him! He pursues them with words, but does not have them.[4] 8Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good. 9A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish. 10It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury, much less for a slave to rule over princes. 11Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. 12A king’s wrath is like the growling of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. 13A foolish son is ruin to his father, and a wife’s quarreling is a continual dripping of rain. 14House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord. 15Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger. 16Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life; he who despises his ways will die. 17Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. 18Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death. 19A man of great wrath will pay the penalty, for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again. 20Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. 21Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. 22What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar. 23The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm. 24The sluggard buries his hand in the dish and will not even bring it back to his mouth. 25Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge. 26He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother is a son who brings shame and reproach. 27Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge. 28A worthless witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity. 29Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and beating for the backs of fools.

[2] Or A soul  [3] Or of a noble  [4] The meaning of the Hebrew sentence is uncertain

Other Versions