Proverbs 18:11-24

The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And as a high wall in his own imagination. Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor goeth humility. He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him. The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear? The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. A man’s gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men. He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out. The lot causeth contentions to cease, And parteth between the mighty. A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; And such contentions are like the bars of a castle. A man’s belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied. Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favor of Jehovah. The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly. He that maketh many friends doeth it to his own destruction; But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.