Proverbs 18:17-24
In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right,
until someone comes forward and cross-examines.
Casting the lot settles disputes
and keeps strong opponents apart.
A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city;
disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled;
with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.
The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
He who finds a wife finds what is good
and receives favor from the Lord.
The poor plead for mercy,
but the rich answer harshly.
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 19:1-2
Better the poor whose walk is blameless
than a fool whose lips are perverse.
Desire without knowledge is not good—
how much more will hasty feet miss the way!
