1 He who separates himself seekshis owndesire,He breaks outin disputeagainst all sound wisdom.2 A fool does not delight in discernment,But only in revealing his own heart.3 When a wicked man comes, despising also comes,And with disgracecomesreproach.4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; 18:4Or A bubbling brook, a fountain of wisdom The fountain of wisdom is a flowing brook.5 To show partiality to the wicked is not good,Norto thrust aside the righteous in judgment.6 A fool’s lips come with strife,And his mouth calls for beatings.7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin,And his lips are the snare of his soul.8 The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels,And they go down into the 18:8Lit chambers of the belly innermost parts of the stomach.9 He also who is slack in his workIs brother to him who destroys.10 The name of Yahweh is a strong tower;The righteous runs into it and is set securely on high.11 A rich man’s wealth is his strong city,And like a high wall in his own delusion.12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty,But humilitygoesbefore glory.13 He who responds with a word before he hears,It is folly and shame to him.14 The spirit of a man can endure his sickness,Butas fora broken spirit, who can bear it?15 The heart of the understanding acquires knowledge,And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.16 A man’s gift makes room for himAnd leads him into the presence of great men.17 The first 18:17Lit in his plea to plead his caseseemsright,Until 18:17Lit his neighbor another comes and examines him.18 Thecastlot puts an end to contentionsAnd 18:18Lit makes a division decides between the mighty ones.19 A brother offendedis harder to win overthan a strong city,And contentions are like the bars of a citadel.20 From the 18:20Speech fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied;Withthe produce of his lips he will be satisfied.21 Death and life are in the 18:21Lit hand power of the tongue,And those who love it will eat its fruit.22 He who finds a wife finds a good thingAnd obtains favor from Yahweh.23 The poor man speaks supplications,But the rich man answers with strongwords.24 A man oftoo manyfriendscomesto 18:24Lit be broken in pieces ruin,But there is a 18:24Or lover friend who sticks closer than a brother.