Proverbs 18:11-20

New American Standard Bible 1995

¹¹ A ^(A)rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
And like a high wall in his own imagination.
^12 (B)Before destruction the heart of man is haughty,
But ^(C)humility goes before honor.
¹³ He who ^(D)gives an answer before he hears,
It is folly and shame to him.
¹⁴ The ^(E)spirit of a man can endure his sickness,
But as for a ^(F)broken spirit who can bear it?
¹⁵ The ^[a](G)mind of the prudent acquires knowledge,
And the ^(H)ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
¹⁶ A man’s ^(I)gift makes room for him
And brings him before great men.
¹⁷ The first ^[b]to plead his case seems right,
Until ^[c]another comes and examines him.
¹⁸ The cast ^(J)lot puts an end to strife
And ^[d]decides between the mighty ones.
¹⁹ A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city,
And contentions are like the bars of a citadel.
²⁰ With the ^[e](K)fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied;
^(L)He will be satisfied with the product of his lips.