Proverbs 18
Bible in Basic English (BBE)
1 Ref He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense.
2 Ref A foolish man has no pleasure in good sense, but only to let what is in his heart come to light.
3 Ref When the evil-doer comes, a low opinion comes with him, and with the loss of honour comes shame.
4 Ref The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters: the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.
5 Ref To have respect for the person of the evil-doer is not good, or to give a wrong decision against the upright.
6 Ref A foolish man's lips are a cause of fighting, and his mouth makes him open to blows.
7 Ref The mouth of a foolish man is his destruction, and his lips are a net for his soul.
8 Ref The words of one who says evil of his neighbour secretly are like sweet food, and go down into the inner parts of the stomach.
9 Ref He who does not give his mind to his work is brother to him who makes destruction.
10 Ref The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the upright man running into it is safe.
11 Ref The property of a man of wealth is his strong town, and it is as a high wall in the thoughts of his heart.
12 Ref Before destruction the heart of man is full of pride, and before honour goes a gentle spirit.
13 Ref To give an answer before hearing is a foolish thing and a cause of shame.
14 Ref The spirit of a man will be his support when he is ill; but how may a broken spirit be lifted up?
15 Ref The heart of the man of good sense gets knowledge; the ear of the wise is searching for knowledge.
16 Ref A man's offering makes room for him, letting him come before great men.
17 Ref The man who first puts his cause before the judge seems to be in the right; but then his neighbour comes and puts his cause in its true light.
18 Ref The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong.
19 Ref A brother wounded is like a strong town, and violent acts are like a locked tower.
20 Ref With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be full; the produce of his lips will be his in full measure.
21 Ref Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those to whom it is dear will have its fruit for their food.
22 Ref Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord.
23 Ref The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer.
24 Ref There are friends who may be a man's destruction, but there is a lover who keeps nearer than a brother.
American Standard-ASV1901 (ASV)
1 Ref He that separateth himself seeketh `his own' desire, And rageth against all sound wisdom.
2 Ref A fool hath no delight in understanding, But only that his heart may reveal itself.
3 Ref When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, And with ignominy `cometh' reproach.
4 Ref The words of a man's mouth are `as' deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is `as' a flowing brook.
5 Ref To respect the person of the wicked is not good, `Nor' to turn aside the righteous in judgment.
6 Ref A fool's lips enter into contention, And his mouth calleth for stripes.
7 Ref A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 Ref The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.
9 Ref He also that is slack in his work Is brother to him that is a destroyer.
10 Ref The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; The righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
11 Ref The rich man's wealth is his strong city, And as a high wall in his own imagination.
12 Ref Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor `goeth' humility.
13 Ref He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him.
14 Ref The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear?
15 Ref The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
16 Ref A man's gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men.
17 Ref He that pleadeth his cause first `seemeth' just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out.
18 Ref The lot causeth contentions to cease, And parteth between the mighty.
19 Ref A brother offended `is harder to be won' than a strong city; And `such' contentions are like the bars of a castle.
20 Ref A man's belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied.
21 Ref Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
22 Ref Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favor of Jehovah.
23 Ref The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly.
24 Ref He that maketh many friends `doeth it' to his own destruction; But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.