| Chapter 18 |
1 | He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense.
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2 | A foolish man has no pleasure in good sense, but only to let what is in his heart come to light.
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3 | When the evil-doer comes, a low opinion comes with him, and with the loss of honour comes shame.
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4 | The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters: the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.
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5 | To have respect for the person of the evil-doer is not good, or to give a wrong decision against the upright.
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6 | A foolish man's lips are a cause of fighting, and his mouth makes him open to blows.
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7 | The mouth of a foolish man is his destruction, and his lips are a net for his soul.
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8 | 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.
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9 | He who does not give his mind to his work is brother to him who makes destruction.
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10 | The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the upright man running into it is safe.
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11 | The property of a man of wealth is his strong town, and it is as a high wall in the thoughts of his heart.
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12 | Before destruction the heart of man is full of pride, and before honour goes a gentle spirit.
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13 | To give an answer before hearing is a foolish thing and a cause of shame.
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14 | The spirit of a man will be his support when he is ill; but how may a broken spirit be lifted up?
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15 | The heart of the man of good sense gets knowledge; the ear of the wise is searching for knowledge.
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16 | A man's offering makes room for him, letting him come before great men.
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17 | 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.
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18 | The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong.
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19 | A brother wounded is like a strong town, and violent acts are like a locked tower.
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20 | With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be full; the produce of his lips will be his in full measure.
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21 | Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those to whom it is dear will have its fruit for their food.
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22 | Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord.
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23 | The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer.
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24 | There are friends who may be a man's destruction, but there is a lover who keeps nearer than a brother.
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