(KJV) Proverbs 18

⥃The Selfishness of the Unfriendly

[1] Through¹ desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh² [and] intermeddleth³ with all wisdom. [2] A fool⁴ hath no delight in understanding, but⁵ that his heart may discover itself. [3] When the wicked cometh, [then] cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.⁶ [4] The words⁷ of a man’s mouth [are as] deep waters, [and] the wellspring⁸ of wisdom [as] a flowing brook. [5] [It is] not⁹ good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow¹⁰ the righteous in judgment. [6] A fool’s¹¹ lips enter into contention, and his¹² mouth calleth for strokes. [7] A fool’s mouth [is] his destruction¹³, and his lips¹⁴ [are] the snare of his soul. [8] The words¹⁵ of a talebearer¹⁶ [are] as wounds¹⁷, and they go down into the innermost parts¹⁸ of the belly. [9] He also that is slothful¹⁹ in his work is brother²⁰ to him that is a great waster. [10] The name²¹ of the Lord [is] a strong²² tower: the righteous²³ runneth into it, and is safe²⁴. [11] The rich man’s wealth [is] his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.²⁵ [12] Before destruction²⁶ the heart of man is haughty, and²⁷ before honour [is] humility. [13] He that²⁸ answereth a matter²⁹ before he heareth [it], it [is] folly and shame unto him. [14] The spirit³⁰ of a man will sustain his infirmity; but³¹ a wounded spirit who can bear? [15] The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.³² [16] A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.³³ [17] [He that is] first in his own cause [seemeth] just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.³⁴ [18] The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.³⁵ [19] A brother³⁶ offended [is harder to be won] than³⁷ a strong city: and [their] contentions [are] like the bars of a castle. [20] A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; [and] with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.³⁸ [21] Death³⁹ and⁴⁰ life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. [22] [Whoso] findeth a wife⁴¹ findeth a good [thing], and⁴² obtaineth favour of the Lord. [23] The poor⁴³ useth intreaties; but the rich⁴⁴ answereth roughly. [24] A man [that hath⁴⁵] friends must shew himself friendly: and there⁴⁶ is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.