# Chapter 18
1. Unfriendly people care only about themselves;
    
they lash out at common sense.


2. Fools have no interest in understanding;
    
they only want to air their own opinions.


3. Doing wrong leads to disgrace,
    
and scandalous behavior brings contempt.


4. Wise words are like deep waters;
    
wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.


5. It is not right to acquit the guilty
    
or deny justice to the innocent.


6. Fools' words get them into constant quarrels;
    
they are asking for a beating.


7. The mouths of fools are their ruin;
    
they trap themselves with their lips.


8. Rumors are dainty morsels
    
that sink deep into one's heart.


9. A lazy person is as bad as
    
someone who destroys things.


10. The name of the LORD is a strong fortress;
    
the godly run to him and are safe.


11. The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense;
    
they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.


12. Haughtiness goes before destruction;
    
humility precedes honor.


13. Spouting off before listening to the facts
    
is both shameful and foolish.


14. The human spirit can endure a sick body,
    
but who can bear a crushed spirit?


15. Intelligent people are always ready to learn.
    
Their ears are open for knowledge.


16. Giving a gift can open doors;
    
it gives access to important people!


17. The first to speak in court sounds right--
    
until the cross-examination begins.


18. Flipping a coin can end arguments;
    
it settles disputes between powerful opponents.


19. An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city.
    
Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.


20. Wise words satisfy like a good meal;
    
the right words bring satisfaction.


21. The tongue can bring death or life;
    
those who love to talk will reap the consequences.


22. The man who finds a wife finds a treasure,
    and he receives favor from the LORD.

23. The poor plead for mercy;
    
the rich answer with insults.


24. There are "friends" who destroy each other,
    
but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.