Shared Word Translation
Proverbs 18
Words, Wisdom, and Conflict
One who isolates themselves
seeks their own desire
and breaks out against
all sound wisdom.
A fool takes no delight
in understanding,
but only in revealing
their own heart.
When wickedness comes,
contempt also comes,
and with dishonor
comes disgrace.
The words of a person’s mouth
are deep waters;
the fountain of wisdom
is a flowing stream.
It is not good
to show favor to the wicked
or to deprive the righteous
of justice.
A fool’s lips enter into conflict,
and their mouth
invites a beating.
A fool’s mouth
is their destruction,
and their lips
are a snare for their life.
The words of a gossip
are like delicious morsels;
they go down
to the innermost parts.
Whoever is slack
in their work
is a sibling
to one who destroys.
The Name of the LORD
The name of the LORD
is a strong tower;
the righteous run into it
and are secure.
The wealth of the rich
is their strong city
and like a high wall
in their imagination.
Before destruction
a person’s heart is proud,
but before honor
comes humility.
Whoever answers
before hearing
shows folly
and shame.
A person’s spirit
can endure sickness,
but a crushed spirit—
who can bear it?
Listen Before You Answer
The heart of the discerning
acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise
seeks knowledge.
A person’s gift
makes room for them
and brings them
before the great.
The first to state a case
seems right
until another comes
and examines them.
The lot brings disputes to an end
and decides
between powerful opponents.
A brother or sister offended
is harder to win than a fortified city,
and disputes are like
the bars of a fortress.
Life and Death in the Tongue
From the fruit of a person’s mouth
their stomach is satisfied;
they are filled
with the produce of their lips.
Death and life
are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it
will eat its fruit.
Whoever finds a wife
finds a good thing
and obtains favor
from the LORD.
The poor speak with pleas,
but the rich answer harshly.
A person with many companions
may come to ruin,
but there is a friend
who sticks closer than a sibling.