Proverbs 18

1 He who separates himself seeks his own desire, he quarrels against all sound wisdom.

If you cannot stand to hang out with others you have become a very selfish person and you are not behaving wisely.

2 A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own mind.

If you talk all the time and don’t take the time to listen to those around you then you are a fool.

3 When a wicked man comes, contempt also comes, and with dishonor comes scorn.

If you are in the habit of looking down on others and continually focusing on their faults then you have become an example of wickedness.

4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

You can learn a lot about a man based on what he says.

It is very pleasant to hear a wise man speak because his words set a very positive tone.

5 To show partiality to the wicked is not good, nor to thrust aside the righteous in judgment.

Don’t take sides with people just because they are powerful or just because they are your friends; take sides with people because they are right.

6 A fool's lips bring strife, and his mouth calls for blows.

Some people are just not satisfied with the way things are. They always want to make things more convenient for them. So, they open their mouth and try to convince those around them to fix things so that they are just right for them. The end result is strife and arguments. Such people are fools and not fit to be part of any group.

7 A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

If nearly every time you say something, you get into trouble or start an argument then you are a fool.

8 The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

If you want people to listen to what you are saying, sometimes whispering it is more effective than speaking it loudly.

9 He also who is slack in his work is brother to him who destroys.

If you are given a job to do, and you do a sloppy job, you are just as bad as a person who destroys what other people build.

10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.

Always make sure that God is on your side.

11 A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own imagination.

Rich people think that they can count on their riches to solve their problems.

12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, but humility goes before honor.

Whenever you find yourself destroyed ask yourself where you were proud. Every destruction was preceded by pride.

The opposite is also true; if you receive honor from God, it is because you were humble.

13 He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him.

If someone is asking a question, wait till he finishes before you answer; otherwise you may find that you didn’t answer the question being asked.

14 The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but as for a broken spirit who can bear it?

The health of the mind is more important than the health of the body. Learn to take good care of your mind.

15 The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

Prepare yourself for the future by keeping abreast with what is new.

16 A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.

Understand where your strengths are and develop them because they can open up great opportunities for you.

17 The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him.

If you have to settle a conflict, hear all sides before jumping to any conclusion.

18 The cast lot puts an end to strife and decides between the mighty ones.

Sometimes, the best way to choose is to cast a lot.

19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a citadel.

When people care for you, it is so much harder to restore the relationship when you destroy it. So don’t destroy it.

20 With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be satisfied; he will be satisfied with the product of his lips.

If you have learned how to use words properly then they will serve you well.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Choose your words carefully because words are very powerful.

22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.

A wife is a very valuable asset. Find a good one, and keep her happy.

23 The poor man utters supplications, but the rich man answers roughly.

If you are poor, you face greater constraints and limitations than if you are rich. So then, make sure that you are not poor.

24 A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

When too many people tap on your resources you can get drained. Test your friends occasionally to see whether they will help you in your time of need.