Proverbs 18

Berean Standard Bible

Chapter summary

Proverbs 18 presents a collection of sayings contrasting the behaviors and fates of the wise, the foolish, the righteous, and the wicked. The text details how a person's speech, including gossip and careless words, can lead to ruin, strife, or satisfaction, while understanding and wisdom are actively sought by the discerning. It examines human interactions in various contexts, noting that partiality is unjust, gifts open doors, casting lots settles disputes, and initial testimonies can be challenged upon cross-examination. Furthermore, the chapter contrasts human attitudes such as pride, humility, sloth, and companionship, while mentioning that the name of the LORD serves as a strong tower for the righteous.

Summary automatically generated from the Bible text.

Words of Jesus in red

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.

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Louis Segond 1910 and Berean Standard Bible: public domain. Cross references: open-cross-ref, Creative Commons BY 4.0.