Proverbs 18:1-24
The Selfishness of the Unfriendly

1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh [and] intermeddleth with all wisdom.

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2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

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3 When the wicked cometh, [then] cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

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4 The words of a man’s mouth [are as] deep waters, [and] the wellspring of wisdom [as] a flowing brook.

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5 [It is] not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

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6 A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

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7 A fool’s mouth [is] his destruction, and his lips [are] the snare of his soul.

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8 The words of a talebearer [are] as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

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9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

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10 The name of the LORD [is] a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

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11 The rich man’s wealth [is] his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

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12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour [is] humility.

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13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth [it], it [is] folly and shame unto him.

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14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

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15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

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16 A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

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17 [He that is] first in his own cause [seemeth] just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

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18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

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19 A brother offended [is harder to be won] than a strong city: and [their] contentions [are] like the bars of a castle.

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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.

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21 Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

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22 [Whoso] findeth a wife findeth a good [thing], and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

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23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

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24 A man [that hath] friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.

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