Proverbs 18

Words Kill, Words Give Life 1Loners who care only for themselves spit on the common good.

2    Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse;
   all they do is run off at the mouth.

3    When wickedness arrives, shame's not far behind;
   contempt for life is contemptible.

4    Many words rush along like rivers in flood,
   but deep wisdom flows up from artesian springs.

5    It's not right to go easy on the guilty,
   or come down hard on the innocent.

6    The words of a fool start fights;
   do him a favor and gag him.

7    Fools are undone by their big mouths;
   their souls are crushed by their words.

8    Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy;
   do you really want junk like that in your belly?

9    Slack habits and sloppy work
   are as bad as vandalism.

10    GOD's name is a place of protection—
   good people can run there and be safe.

11    The rich think their wealth protects them;
   they imagine themselves safe behind it.

12    Pride first, then the crash,
   but humility is precursor to honor.

13    Answering before listening
   is both stupid and rude.

14    A healthy spirit conquers adversity,
   but what can you do when the spirit is crushed?

15    Wise men and women are always learning,
   always listening for fresh insights.

16    A gift gets attention;
   it buys the attention of eminent people.

17    The first speech in a court case is always convincing—
   until the cross-examination starts!

18    You may have to draw straws
   when faced with a tough decision.

19    Do a favor and win a friend forever;
   nothing can untie that bond.

20    Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach;
   good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest.

21    Words kill, words give life;
   they're either poison or fruit—you choose.

22    Find a good spouse, you find a good life—
   and even more: the favor of GOD!

23    The poor speak in soft supplications;
   the rich bark out answers.

24    Friends come and friends go,
   but a true friend sticks by you like family.