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18:1  He who [willfully] separates himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire, He quarrels against all sound wisdom.
18:2  A [closed-minded] fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his personal opinions [unwittingly displaying his self-indulgence and his stupidity].
18:3  When the wicked man comes [to the depth of evil], contempt [of all that is pure and good] also comes, And with inner baseness (dishonor) comes outer shame (scorn).
18:4  The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters [copious and difficult to fathom]; The fountain of [mature, godly] wisdom is like a bubbling stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving].
18:5  To show respect to the wicked person is not good, Nor to push aside and deprive the righteous of justice.
18:6  A fool’s lips bring contention and strife, And his mouth invites a beating.
18:7  A fool’s mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul.
18:8  The words of a whisperer (gossip) are like dainty morsels [to be greedily eaten]; They go down into the innermost chambers of the body [to be remembered and mused upon].
18:9  He who is careless in his work Is a brother to him who destroys.
18:10  The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs to it and is safe and set on high [far above evil].
18:11  The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall [of protection] in his own imagination and conceit.
18:12  Before disaster the heart of a man is haughty and filled with self-importance, But humility comes before honor.
18:13  He who answers before he hears [the facts]— It is folly and shame to him.
18:14  The spirit of a man sustains him in sickness, But as for a broken spirit, who can bear it?
18:15  The mind of the prudent [always] acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise [always] seeks knowledge.
18:16  A man’s gift [given in love or courtesy] makes room for him And brings him before great men.
18:17  The first one to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and cross-examines him.
18:18  To cast lots puts an end to quarrels And decides between powerful contenders.
18:19  A brother offended is harder to win over than a fortified city, And contentions [separating families] are like the bars of a castle.
18:20  A man’s stomach will be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; He will be satisfied with the consequence of his words.
18:21  Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.
18:22  He who finds a [true and faithful] wife finds a good thing And obtains favor and approval from the Lord.
18:23  The poor man pleads, But the rich man answers roughly.
18:24  The man of too many friends [chosen indiscriminately] will be broken in pieces and come to ruin, But there is a [true, loving] friend who [is reliable and] sticks closer than a brother.