Proverbs 18:14-24

New International Version

¹⁴ The human spirit can endure in sickness,
    but a crushed spirit who can bear?^(A)

¹⁵ The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,^(B)
    for the ears of the wise seek it out.

¹⁶ A gift^(C) opens the way
    and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.

¹⁷ In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right,
    until someone comes forward and cross-examines.

¹⁸ Casting the lot settles disputes^(D)
    and keeps strong opponents apart.

¹⁹ A brother wronged^(E) is more unyielding than a fortified city;
    disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.

²⁰ From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled;
    with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.^(F)

²¹ The tongue has the power of life and death,^(G)
    and those who love it will eat its fruit.^(H)

²² He who finds a wife finds what is good^(I)
    and receives favor from the Lord.^(J)

²³ The poor plead for mercy,
    but the rich answer harshly.

²⁴ One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.^(K)