Chapter Eighteen

The loner pursues selfish goals and refuses to accept sound advice.

Fools find no pleasure in understanding; they only want to vent their own opinions.

When the wicked comes, so does contempt, and with dishonor, comes scorn.

The words that come from a man’s mouth are like deep waters; the fountain of wisdom, a flowing brook.

It is not good to show partiality to the wicked and deprive the righteous of justice.

The lips of a fool incite conflict; his mouth provokes a beating.

The mouths of fools bring about their ruin; their lips ensnare their own lives.

The words of the gossip are devoured like tasty treats, and they penetrate to one’s innermost being.

One who is lackadaisical in his work is akin to one who is destructive.

The name of Jehovah is a strong tower to which the righteous run to be protected.

Before his downfall the heart of a man is haughty, before he is honored, it is humble.

To answer before one hears the question is folly and shameful.

A man’s spirit can bear physical suffering, but can it endure anguish?

The mind of the intelligent man acquires knowledge and his ear is open to learning.

A gift open doors for a man and affords him access to the great.

The first to plead his case sounds right, until someone else comes to dispute him.

Casting a lot settles disputes and parts strong adversaries.

A relative who has been offended is harder to win over than a well-fortified city, quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.

A man’s stomach is sated by the fruit of his mouth; it is filled by the product of his lips.

The tongue has the power of life and death; those who love talk will appreciate its effects.

Whoever finds a wife has found something good and has a received a favor from Jehovah.

The poor may plead, but the rich will respond with harshness.

A man with many friends may still come to ruin, but there is a friend who remains closer than a brother.