Proverbs 18
The Name of the Lord Is a Strong Tower
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18:1A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks pretexts,
and at every time he will be subject to reproach.
18:2One lacking understanding has no use for wisdom,
for he is led rather by foolishness.
18:3When the impious comes into the depth of evils, he despises,
and dishonor and reproach come upon him.
18:4A word in a man’s heart is deep water,
and a river springs up, a fountain of life.
18:5To admire the face of the impious is not good,
nor is it holy to turn aside what is just in judgment.
18:6A fool’s lips lead him into evils,
and his rash mouth calls upon death.
18:7A fool’s mouth is ruin for him,
and his lips are a trap for his life.
18:8Fear casts down the lazy,
and the lives of womanish men will hunger.
18:9One who does not heal himself in his works
is brother to one who ruins himself.
18:10From greatness of strength comes the name of the Lord,
and righteous people who run to it are raised high.
18:11A rich man’s property is a fortified city,
and its glory casts a great shadow.
18:12Before ruin a man’s heart is raised high,
and before glory it is humbled.
18:13One who answers a word before hearing it—
it is foolishness and reproach for him.
18:14An intelligent attendant calms a man’s anger,
but who will bear a fainthearted man?
18:15An intelligent heart acquires discernment,
and the ears of the wise seek reflection.
18:16A person’s gift makes space for him,
and seats him beside rulers.
18:17The righteous is his own accuser in the opening speech,
but when the opponent presses in, he is reproved.
18:18A lot stops disputes,
and makes a determination among rulers.
18:19A brother helped by a brother is like a fortified and high city,
and is strong like a founded palace.
18:20From fruits of a mouth a man fills his belly,
and from fruits of his lips he will be filled.
18:21Death and life are in the hand of the tongue,
and those who control it will eat its fruits.
18:22One who found a good wife found favors,
and received gladness from God.
18:22aOne who casts out a good wife casts out good things,
but one who keeps an adulteress is foolish and impious.
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Saints Translation · Liturgical reading edition · V1 · working draft awaiting specialist review.