| Chapter 18 |
1 |
For [an object of] 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 [are] the words of a man's mouth, The fountain of wisdom [is] a flowing brook. --
|
5 |
Acceptance of the face of the wicked [is] 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 [is] ruin to him, And his lips [are] the snare of his soul. --
|
8 |
The words of a tale-bearer [are] as self-inflicted wounds, And they have gone down [to] the inner parts of the heart. --
|
9 |
He also that is remiss in his work, A brother he [is] to a destroyer. --
|
10 |
A tower of strength [is] the name of Jehovah, Into it the righteous runneth, and is set on high. --
|
11 |
The wealth of the rich [is] 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 [is] 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 [is] 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, [From the] increase of his lips he is satisfied. --
|
21 |
Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue, And those loving it eat its fruit. --
|
22 |
[Whoso] hath found a wife hath found good, And bringeth out good-will from Jehovah. --
|
23 |
[With] supplications doth the poor speak, And the rich answereth fierce things. --
|
24 |
A man with friends [is] to show himself friendly, And there is a lover adhering more than a brother! --
|