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18:1  He who willfully separates and estranges himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire and pretext to break out against all wise and sound judgment.
18:2  A [self-confident] fool has no delight in understanding but only in revealing his personal opinions and himself.
18:3  When the wicked comes in [to the depth of evil], he becomes a contemptuous despiser [of all that is pure and good], and with inner baseness comes outer shame and reproach.
18:4  The words of a [discreet and wise] man’s mouth are like deep waters [plenteous and difficult to fathom], and the fountain of skillful and godly Wisdom is like a gushing stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving].
18:5  To respect the person of the wicked and be partial to him, so as to deprive the [consistently] righteous of justice, is not good.
18:6  A [self-confident] fool’s lips bring contention, and his mouth invites a beating.
18:7  A [self-confident] fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to himself.
18:8  The words of a whisperer or talebearer are as dainty morsels; they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
18:9  He who is loose and slack in his work is brother to him who is a destroyer and he who does not use his endeavors to heal himself is brother to him who commits suicide.
18:10  The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the [consistently] righteous man [upright and in right standing with God] runs into it and is safe, high [above evil] and strong.
18:11  The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as a high protecting wall in his own imagination and conceit.
18:12  Haughtiness comes before disaster, but humility before honor.
18:13  He who answers a matter before he hears the facts—it is folly and shame to him.
18:14  The strong spirit of a man sustains him in bodily pain or trouble, but a weak and broken spirit who can raise up or bear?
18:15  The mind of the prudent is ever getting knowledge, and the ear of the wise is ever seeking (inquiring for and craving) knowledge.
18:16  A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.
18:17  He who states his case first seems right, until his rival comes and cross-examines him.
18:18  To cast lots puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders.
18:19  A brother offended is harder to be won over than a strong city, and [their] contentions separate them like the bars of a castle.
18:20  A man’s [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil].
18:21  Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].
18:22  He who finds a [true] wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.
18:23  The poor man uses entreaties, but the rich answers roughly.
18:24  The man of many friends [a friend of all the world] will prove himself a bad friend, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.