18:1 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. 18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. 18:3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace. 18:4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. 18:5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice. 18:6 A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. 18:7 A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. 18:8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body. 18:9 Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys. 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. 18:11 A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination. 18:12 Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. 18:13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. 18:14 A man's spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear 18:15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 18:16 A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before the great. 18:17 The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him. 18:18 The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders. 18:19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. 18:20 From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. 18:22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. 18:23 The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly. 18:24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.