Proverbs 18 (KJV)   Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh 
and intermeddleth with all wisdom. {2} A fool hath no delight in 
understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. {3} When the wicked 
cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach. {4} The words 
of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing 
brook. {5} It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the 
righteous in judgment. {6} A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth 
calleth for strokes. {7} A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are 
the snare of his soul. {8} The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they 
go down into the innermost parts of the belly. {9} He also that is slothful in 
his work is brother to him that is a great waster. {10} The name of the LORD 
is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. {11} The rich 
man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit. 
{12} Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is 
humility. {13} He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly 
and shame unto him. {14} The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a 
wounded spirit who can bear? {15} The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; 
and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. {16} A man's gift maketh room for 
him, and bringeth him before great men. {17} He that is first in his own cause 
seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. {18} The lot causeth 
contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty. {19} A brother offended 
is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the 
bars of a castle. {20} A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his 
mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. {21} Death and 
life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit 
thereof. {22} Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour 
of the LORD. {23} The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth roughly. 
{24} A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend 
that sticketh closer than a brother.