Proverbs 18 (YLT)

¹ For <FI>an object of<Fi> desire he who is separated doth seek, With all wisdom he intermeddleth.

² A fool delighteth not in understanding, But--in uncovering his heart.

³ With the coming of the wicked come also hath contempt, And with shame--reproach.

⁴ Deep waters <FI>are<Fi> the words of a man's mouth, The fountain of wisdom <FI>is<Fi> a flowing brook.

⁵ Acceptance of the face of the wicked <FI>is<Fi> not good, To turn aside the righteous in judgment.

⁶ The lips of a fool enter into strife, And his mouth for stripes calleth.

⁷ The mouth of a fool <FI>is<Fi> ruin to him, And his lips <FI>are<Fi> the snare of his soul.

⁸ The words of a tale-bearer <FI>are<Fi> as self-inflicted wounds, And they have gone down <FI>to<Fi> the inner parts of the heart.

⁹ He also that is remiss in his work, A brother he <FI>is<Fi> to a destroyer.

¹⁰ A tower of strength <FI>is<Fi> the name of Jehovah, Into it the righteous runneth, and is set on high.

¹¹ The wealth of the rich <FI>is<Fi> the city of his strength, And as a wall set on high in his own imagination.

¹² Before destruction the heart of man is high, And before honour <FI>is<Fi> humility.

¹³ Whoso is answering a matter before he heareth, Folly it is to him and shame.

¹⁴ The spirit of a man sustaineth his sickness, And a smitten spirit who doth bear?

¹⁵ The heart of the intelligent getteth knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

¹⁶ The gift of a man maketh room for him, And before the great it leadeth him.

¹⁷ Righteous <FI>is<Fi> the first in his own cause, His neighbour cometh and hath searched him.

¹⁸ The lot causeth contentions to cease, And between the mighty it separateth.

¹⁹ A brother transgressed against is as a strong city, And contentions as the bar of a palace.

²⁰ From the fruit of a man's mouth is his belly satisfied, <FI>From the<Fi> increase of his lips he is satisfied.

²¹ Death and life <FI>are<Fi> in the power of the tongue, And those loving it eat its fruit.

²² <FI> Whoso<Fi> hath found a wife hath found good, And bringeth out good-will from Jehovah.

²³ <FI> With<Fi> supplications doth the poor speak, And the rich answereth fierce things.

²⁴ A man with friends <FI>is<Fi> to show himself friendly, And there is a lover adhering more than a brother!