18:1 People who do not have any friends think only about themselves. They refuse to listen to good advice.
18:2 A fool does not try to understand what is right. He only likes to tell people his own ideas.
18:3 When a wicked person arrives, shame comes with him. And shame causes people to speak against you.
18:4 The words that you speak are like the deep water of the sea. If they are wise words, they are like a cool stream.
18:5 Do not refuse to punish wicked people. That would not be good. Also, do not punish anyone who has not done anything wrong.
18:6 When a fool speaks, he starts an argument. He is asking for someone to beat him with a stick.
18:7 When a fool speaks, he is destroying himself. His own words are a trap that catches him.
18:8 We love to hear other people's secrets. They seem like good food that we can enjoy.
18:9 A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.
18:10 The name of the Lord is like a strong tower. Righteous people can run there, and then they will be safe.
18:11 Rich people think that their money makes them safe, like high, strong walls round a city.
18:12 If you become proud, something will soon destroy you. But if you are humble, you will soon receive honour.
18:13 Listen carefully before you answer. If you answer too quickly, you will be ashamed like a fool.
18:14 When someone is ill, his spirit will keep him strong. But if his spirit has lost hope, he cannot stay strong.
18:15 Wise people are always learning something new.
18:16 A gift will give you a chance to meet new people. Important people may become your friends.
18:17 You will always believe the first person to speak in court, until the other person starts to ask him questions.
18:18 If two powerful people have an argument, you may have to throw dice to decide who is right.
18:19 If you insult a relative, it will be difficult to become friends with him again. Arguments keep people apart, like the walls of a strong city.
18:20 If you speak words that help people, they are like good food.
18:21 Words have the power to bring life or death. So be careful if you talk a lot!
18:22 If you find a wife, you find a good thing. The Lord has given you something to enjoy.
18:23 A poor person has to ask for help. But a rich person can insult people.
18:24 A man with many friends may lose them. But there is a friend who is more faithful than a brother.
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