Bible in Basic English
The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters: the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.
To have respect for the person of the evil-doer is not good, or to give a wrong decision against the upright.
A foolish man's lips are a cause of fighting, and his mouth makes him open to blows.
The mouth of a foolish man is his destruction, and his lips are a net for his soul.
The words of one who says evil of his neighbour secretly are like sweet food, and go down into the inner parts of the stomach.
He who does not give his mind to his work is brother to him who makes destruction.
The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the upright man running into it is safe.
The property of a man of wealth is his strong town, and it is as a high wall in the thoughts of his heart.
Before destruction the heart of man is full of pride, and before honour goes a gentle spirit.
To give an answer before hearing is a foolish thing and a cause of shame.
The spirit of a man will be his support when he is ill; but how may a broken spirit be lifted up?
The heart of the man of good sense gets knowledge; the ear of the wise is searching for knowledge.
A man's offering makes room for him, letting him come before great men.
The man who first puts his cause before the judge seems to be in the right; but then his neighbour comes and puts his cause in its true light.
The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong.
A brother wounded is like a strong town, and violent acts are like a locked tower.
With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be full; the produce of his lips will be his in full measure.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those to whom it is dear will have its fruit for their food.
Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord.
The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer.
There are friends who may be a man's destruction, but there is a lover who keeps nearer than a brother.
— Proverbs 18:4-1964, Bible in Basic English
“The words of a person’s mouth are like deep waters, and the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook. It is terrible to show partiality to the wicked, by depriving a righteous man of justice. The lips of a fool enter into strife, and his mouth invites a flogging. The mouth of a fool is his ruin, and his lips are a snare for his life. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; and they have gone down into the person’s innermost being. The one who is slack in his work is a brother to one who destroys. The name of the LORD is like a strong tower; the righteous person runs to it and is set safely on high. The wealth of a rich person is like a strong city, and it is like a high wall in his imagination. Before destruction the heart of a person is proud, but humility comes before honor. The one who gives an answer before he listens– that is his folly and his shame. A person’s spirit sustains him through sickness– but who can bear a crushed spirit? The discerning person acquires knowledge, and the wise person seeks knowledge. A person’s gift makes room for him, and leads him before important people. The first to state his case seems right, until his opponent begins to cross-examine him. A toss of a coin ends disputes, and settles the issue between strong opponents. A relative offended is harder to reach than a strong city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a fortified citadel. From the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied, with the product of his lips he will be satisfied. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love its use will eat its fruit. The one who has found a good wife has found what goodness is, and obtained a delightful gift from the LORD. A poor person makes supplications, but a rich man answers harshly. There are companions who harm one another, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense.
A foolish man has no pleasure in good sense, but only to let what is in his heart come to light.
When the evil-doer comes, a low opinion comes with him, and with the loss of honour comes shame.
The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters: the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.
To have respect for the person of the evil-doer is not good, or to give a wrong decision against the upright.
A foolish man's lips are a cause of fighting, and his mouth makes him open to blows.
The mouth of a foolish man is his destruction, and his lips are a net for his soul.
The words of one who says evil of his neighbour secretly are like sweet food, and go down into the inner parts of the stomach.
He who does not give his mind to his work is brother to him who makes destruction.
The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the upright man running into it is safe.
The property of a man of wealth is his strong town, and it is as a high wall in the thoughts of his heart.
Before destruction the heart of man is full of pride, and before honour goes a gentle spirit.
To give an answer before hearing is a foolish thing and a cause of shame.
The spirit of a man will be his support when he is ill; but how may a broken spirit be lifted up?
The heart of the man of good sense gets knowledge; the ear of the wise is searching for knowledge.
A man's offering makes room for him, letting him come before great men.
The man who first puts his cause before the judge seems to be in the right; but then his neighbour comes and puts his cause in its true light.
The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong.
A brother wounded is like a strong town, and violent acts are like a locked tower.
With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be full; the produce of his lips will be his in full measure.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those to whom it is dear will have its fruit for their food.
Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord.
The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer.
There are friends who may be a man's destruction, but there is a lover who keeps nearer than a brother.