Free Bible Version

1 Selfish people only please themselves, they attack anything that makes good sense. 2 Stupid people have no interest in trying to understand, they only want to express their opinions. 3 With wickedness comes contempt; with dishonor comes disgrace. 4 People's words can be profound like deep waters, a gushing stream that is the source of wisdom. 5 What stupid people say gets them into fights, as if they're asking for a beating. 6 Stupid people are caught out by what they say; their own words trap them. 7 Listening to gossip is like gulping down bites of your favorite food—they go deep down inside you. 8 Rich people see their wealth as a fortified town—it's like a high wall in their imagination. 9 Pride leads to destruction; humility goes before honor. 10 With a brave spirit you can put up with sickness, but if it's crushed, you can't bear it. 11 An intelligent mind acquires knowledge; the wise are ready to hear knowledge. 12 A gift opens doors for you, and gets you into the presence of important people. 13 A brother you've offended is harder to win back than a fortified town. Arguments keep people apart like bars on the doors of a fortress. 14 Make sure you're satisfied with what you say—you have to live with your words. 15 What you say has the power to bring life or to kill; those who love talking will have to deal with the consequences. 16 If you find a wife, that's great, and you'll be blessed by the Lord. 17 The poor beg for mercy, but the rich reply harshly. 18 Some friends give up on you, but there's a friend who stays closer to you than a brother.