Proverbs 18:9-22

New International Version

⁹ One who is slack in his work
    is brother to one who destroys.^(A)

¹⁰ The name of the Lord is a fortified tower;^(B)
    the righteous run to it and are safe.^(C)

¹¹ The wealth of the rich is their fortified city;^(D)
    they imagine it a wall too high to scale.

¹² Before a downfall the heart is haughty,
    but humility comes before honor.^(E)

¹³ To answer before listening—
    that is folly and shame.^(F)

¹⁴ The human spirit can endure in sickness,
    but a crushed spirit who can bear?^(G)

¹⁵ The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,^(H)
    for the ears of the wise seek it out.

¹⁶ A gift^(I) opens the way
    and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.

¹⁷ In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right,
    until someone comes forward and cross-examines.

¹⁸ Casting the lot settles disputes^(J)
    and keeps strong opponents apart.

¹⁹ A brother wronged^(K) is more unyielding than a fortified city;
    disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.

²⁰ From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled;
    with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.^(L)

²¹ The tongue has the power of life and death,^(M)
    and those who love it will eat its fruit.^(N)

²² He who finds a wife finds what is good^(O)
    and receives favor from the Lord.^(P)