Proverbs 18 (ESV)

24 verses · English Standard Version · Essentially literal

The ESV balances word-for-word accuracy with modern English readability. Favored by scholars and pastors for study and preaching, it preserves the structure of the original Hebrew and Greek while using clear, contemporary language.

Proverbs Chapter 18 contains 24 verses and is presented here in the English Standard Version (ESV), which uses a essentially literal approach. Read the full text below, compare with other translations, or navigate to any of the 31 chapters in Proverbs.

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Chapter 17Chapter 19

1Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.

2A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

3When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace.

4The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

5It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice.

6A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.

7A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

8The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.

9Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.

10The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

11A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination.

12Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.

13If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

14A man's spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?

15An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.

17The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.

18The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders.

19A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.

20From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.

21Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

22He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.

23The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly.

24A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

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About This Translation

What is Proverbs 18 in the ESV?

Proverbs 18 in the English Standard Version (ESV) contains 24 verses. The ESV uses a essentially literal approach, first published in 2001 (rev. 2016).

How does the ESV translate Proverbs 18 differently?

The English Standard Version uses essentially literal, balancing accuracy with modern readability. Compare this with the NIV (dynamic equivalence) version of Proverbs 18 for a different perspective.

How many verses are in Proverbs 18 (ESV)?

Proverbs Chapter 18 contains 24 verses in the English Standard Version. The book of Proverbs has 31 chapters total.

Proverbs (ESV) — All 31 Chapters