Proverbs 18 The Message (MSG) Words Kill, Words Give Life 18 Loners 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. Proverbs 18 Amplified Bible (AMP) 18 He who willfully separates and estranges himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire and pretext to break out against all wise and sound judgment. 2 A [self-confident] fool has no delight in understanding but only in revealing his personal opinions and himself. 3 When the wicked comes in [to the depth of evil], he becomes a contemptuous despiser [of all that is pure and good], and with inner baseness comes outer shame and reproach. 4 The words of a [discreet and wise] man’s mouth are like deep waters [plenteous and difficult to fathom], and the fountain of skillful and godly Wisdom is like a gushing stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving]. 5 To respect the person of the wicked and be partial to him, so as to deprive the [consistently] righteous of justice, is not good. 6 A [self-confident] fool’s lips bring contention, and his mouth invites a beating. 7 A [self-confident] fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to himself. 8 The words of a whisperer or talebearer are as dainty morsels; they go down into the innermost parts of the body. 9 He who is loose and slack in his work is brother to him who is a destroyer and [a]he who does not use his endeavors to heal himself is brother to him who commits suicide. 10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the [consistently] righteous man [upright and in right standing with God] runs into it and is safe, high [above evil] and strong. 11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as a high protecting wall in his own imagination and conceit. 12 Haughtiness comes before disaster, but humility before honor. 13 He who answers a matter before he hears the facts—it is folly and shame to him. 14 The strong spirit of a man sustains him in bodily pain or trouble, but a weak and broken spirit who can raise up or bear? 15 The mind of the prudent is ever getting knowledge, and the ear of the wise is ever seeking (inquiring for and craving) knowledge. 16 A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men. 17 He who states his case first seems right, until his rival comes and cross-examines him. 18 To cast lots puts an end to disputes and decides between powerful contenders. 19 A brother offended is harder to be won over than a strong city, and [their] contentions separate them like the bars of a castle. 20 A man’s [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil]. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. 22 He who finds a [true] wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. 23 The poor man uses entreaties, but the rich answers roughly. 24 The man of many friends [a friend of all the world] will prove himself a bad friend, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Posted on: Sat, 20 Jul 2013 15:45:09 +0000
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