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Proverbs

Offers wisdom and advice on how to live a good and meaningful life.

Chapter 18

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1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

*A person wants something, so they leave and try to figure it out on their own.

2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

*A foolish person doesn't enjoy learning, but they want their true feelings to be revealed.

3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

*When bad people arrive, disgrace and shame follow them too.

4 The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

*A man's words are like deep water, and his wisdom is like a stream that keeps flowing.

5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

*It's wrong to support bad people, and it's unfair to punish good people in court.

6 A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

*A foolish person's words start arguments, and their mouth asks for punishment.

7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

*A foolish person's words can harm them, and their lips can trap their own happiness.

8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

*A gossip's words are like injuries, and they deeply hurt the core of one's stomach.

9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

*He who is lazy in his work is like the person who wastes a lot.

10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

*The LORD's name is a powerful fortress; righteous people can enter it and be protected.

11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

*The rich person's money is like a powerful fortress, and it makes them feel very proud and protected.

12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

*Before people get destroyed, their hearts are proud. But before they gain respect, they are humble.

13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

*Answering a question without hearing it first is foolish and embarrassing.

14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

*A person's spirit can help them endure their weakness, but who can handle a broken spirit?

15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

*The smart person's heart learns things; and the clever one's ear looks for knowledge.

16 A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

*A person's talent creates opportunities for them and introduces them to important people.

17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

*He who appears right in his own case, seems fair; but then his neighbor checks and examines him.

18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

*The lot stops arguments and divides the powerful people.

19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

*It's harder to reconcile with an upset brother than to conquer a well-fortified city. Their disagreements are as strong as a castle's walls.

20 A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

*A person's stomach will be full from what they say, and the more they talk, the more satisfied they will be.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

*Death and life depend on what you say; those who love talking will experience the results.

22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

*Finding a wife is a good thing, and it pleases God.

23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

*The poor person asks politely, but the rich person responds harshly.

24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

*To have friends, you need to be friendly. There's a friend who is even closer than a brother.

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