Proverbs 18:17-19:2

New International Version

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

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

¹⁹ A brother wronged^(B) 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.^(C)

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

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

²³ The poor plead for mercy,
    but the rich answer harshly.

²⁴ One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.^(H)

19 Better the poor whose walk is blameless
    than a fool whose lips are perverse.^(I)

² Desire without knowledge is not good—
    how much more will hasty feet miss the way!^(J)