GOODMORNING

Proverbs 18

It’s Wrong to Favor the Guilty

 ¹It’s selfish and stupid

   to think only of yourself

   and to sneer at people

   who have sense. ^{[a] 2}Fools have no desire to learn;

   they would much rather

   give their own opinion.

    ³Wrongdoing leads to shame

   and disgrace.

    ⁴Words of wisdom

   are a stream

   that flows

   from a deep fountain.

    ⁵It’s wrong to favor the guilty

   and keep the innocent

   from getting justice.

    ⁶Foolish talk will get you

   into a lot of trouble.

    ⁷Saying foolish things

   is like setting a trap

   to destroy yourself.

    ⁸There’s nothing so delicious

   as the taste of gossip!

   It melts in your mouth.

    ⁹Being lazy is no different

   from being a troublemaker.

    ¹⁰The LORD is a mighty tower

   where his people can run

   for safety–

    ¹¹the rich think their money

   is a wall of protection.

    ¹²Pride leads to destruction;

   humility leads to honor.

    ¹³It’s stupid and embarrassing

   to give an answer

   before you listen.

    ¹⁴Being cheerful helps

   when we are sick,

   but nothing helps

   when we give up.

    ¹⁵Everyone with good sense

   wants to learn.

    ¹⁶A gift will get you in

   to see anyone.

    ¹⁷You may think you have won

   your case in court,

   until your opponent speaks.

    ¹⁸Drawing straws is one way

   to settle a difficult case.

    ¹⁹Making up with a friend

   you have offended ^[b] is harder than breaking

   through a city wall.

    ²⁰Make your words good–

   you will be glad you did.

    ²¹Words can bring death or life!

   Talk too much, and you will eat

   everything you say.

    ²²A man’s greatest treasure

   is his wife–

   she is a gift from the LORD.

    ²³The poor must beg for help,

   but the rich can give

   a harsh reply.

    ²⁴Some friends don’t help, ^[c] but a true friend is closer

   than your own family