Proverbs 18 – Compare Chapter Translations
Verse-by-verse comparison of Proverbs 18 across supported Bible translations.
Verse 1
KJV Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
ASV He that separateth himself seeketh [his own] desire, And rageth against all sound wisdom.
WEB An unfriendly man pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment.
YLT For <FI>an object of<Fi> desire he who is separated doth seek, With all wisdom he intermeddleth.
DRB He that hath a mind to depart from a friend, seeketh occasions: he shall ever be subject to reproach.
DBY He that separateth himself seeketh [his] pleasure, he is vehement against all sound wisdom.
GNV For the desire thereof hee will separate himselfe to seeke it, and occupie himselfe in all wisdome.
LSB He who separates himself seeks his own desire, He breaks out in dispute against all sound wisdom.
Verse 2
KJV A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
ASV A fool hath no delight in understanding, But only that his heart may reveal itself.
WEB A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion.
YLT A fool delighteth not in understanding, But--in uncovering his heart.
DRB A fool receiveth not the words of prudence: unless thou say those things which are in his heart.
DBY A fool hath no delight in understanding, but only that his heart may reveal itself.
GNV A foole hath no delite in vnderstanding: but that his heart may be discouered.
LSB A fool does not delight in discernment, But only in revealing his own heart.
Verse 3
KJV When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
ASV When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, And with ignominy [cometh] reproach.
WEB When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and with shame comes disgrace.
YLT With the coming of the wicked come also hath contempt, And with shame--reproach.
DRB The wicked man, when he is come into the depths of sins, contemneth: but ignominy and reproach follow him.
DBY When the wicked cometh, there cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
GNV When the wicked commeth, then commeth contempt, and with the vile man reproch.
LSB When a wicked man comes, despising also comes, And with disgrace comes reproach.
Verse 4
KJV The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
ASV The words of a man`s mouth are [as] deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is [as] a flowing brook.
WEB The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.
YLT Deep waters <FI>are<Fi> the words of a man's mouth, The fountain of wisdom <FI>is<Fi> a flowing brook.
DRB Words from the mouth of a man are as deep water: and the fountain of wisdom is an overflowing stream.
DBY The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, [and] the fountain of wisdom is a gushing brook.
GNV The words of a mans mouth are like deepe waters, and the welspring of wisdome is like a flowing riuer.
LSB The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a flowing brook.
Verse 5
KJV It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
ASV To respect the person of the wicked is not good, [Nor] to turn aside the righteous in judgment.
WEB To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, nor to deprive the innocent of justice.
YLT Acceptance of the face of the wicked <FI>is<Fi> not good, To turn aside the righteous in judgment.
DRB It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to decline from the truth of judgment.
DBY It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to wrong the righteous in judgment.
GNV It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to cause ye righteous to fall in iudgement.
LSB To show partiality to the wicked is not good, Nor to thrust aside the righteous in judgment.
Verse 6
KJV A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
ASV A fool`s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calleth for stripes.
WEB A fool’s lips come into strife, and his mouth invites beatings.
YLT The lips of a fool enter into strife, And his mouth for stripes calleth.
DRB The lips of a fool intermeddle with strife: and his mouth provoketh quarrels.
DBY A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for stripes.
GNV A fooles lips come with strife, and his mouth calleth for stripes.
LSB A fool’s lips come with strife, And his mouth calls for beatings.
Verse 7
KJV A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
ASV A fool`s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.
WEB A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
YLT The mouth of a fool <FI>is<Fi> ruin to him, And his lips <FI>are<Fi> the snare of his soul.
DRB The mouth of a fool is his destruction: and his lips are the ruin of his soul.
DBY A fool's mouth is destruction to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
GNV A fooles mouth is his owne destruction, and his lips are a snare for his soule.
LSB A fool’s mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul.
Verse 8
KJV The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
ASV The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.
WEB The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: they go down into a person’s innermost parts.
YLT The words of a tale-bearer <FI>are<Fi> as self-inflicted wounds, And they have gone down <FI>to<Fi> the inner parts of the heart.
DRB The words of the double tongued are as if they were harmless: and they reach even to the inner parts of the bowels. Fear casteth down the slothful: and the souls of the effeminate shall be hungry.
DBY The words of a talebearer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
GNV The wordes of a tale bearer are as flatterings, and they goe downe into the bowels of the belly.
LSB The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the stomach.
Verse 9
KJV He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
ASV He also that is slack in his work Is brother to him that is a destroyer.
WEB One who is slack in his work is brother to him who is a master of destruction.
YLT He also that is remiss in his work, A brother he <FI>is<Fi> to a destroyer.
DRB He that is loose and slack in his work, is the brother of him that wasteth his own works.
DBY He also who is indolent in his work is brother of the destroyer.
GNV He also that is slouthfull in his worke, is euen the brother of him that is a great waster.
LSB He also who is slack in his work Is brother to him who destroys.
Verse 10
KJV The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
ASV The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; The righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
WEB Yahweh’s name is a strong tower: the righteous run to him, and are safe.
YLT A tower of strength <FI>is<Fi> the name of Jehovah, Into it the righteous runneth, and is set on high.
DRB The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the just runneth to it, and shall be exalted.
DBY The name of Jehovah is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
GNV The Name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth vnto it, and is exalted.
LSB The name of Yahweh is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is set securely on high.
Verse 11
KJV The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
ASV The rich man`s wealth is his strong city, And as a high wall in his own imagination.
WEB The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, like an unscalable wall in his own imagination.
YLT The wealth of the rich <FI>is<Fi> the city of his strength, And as a wall set on high in his own imagination.
DRB The substance of the rich man is the city of his strength, and as a strong wall compassing him about.
DBY The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own imagination.
GNV The rich mans riches are his strong citie: and as an hie wall in his imagination.
LSB A rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own delusion.
Verse 12
KJV Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
ASV Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor [goeth] humility.
WEB Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility.
YLT Before destruction the heart of man is high, And before honour <FI>is<Fi> humility.
DRB Before destruction, the heart of a man is exalted: and before he be glorified, it is humbled.
DBY Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; and before honour [goeth] humility.
GNV Before destruction the heart of a man is hautie, and before glory goeth lowlines.
LSB Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, But humility goes before glory.
Verse 13
KJV He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
ASV He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him.
WEB He who gives answer before he hears, that is folly and shame to him.
YLT Whoso is answering a matter before he heareth, Folly it is to him and shame.
DRB He that answereth before he heareth, sheweth himself to be a fool, and worthy of confusion.
DBY He that giveth answer before he heareth, it is folly and shame unto him.
GNV He that answereth a matter before hee heare it, it is folly and shame vnto him.
LSB He who responds with a word before he hears, It is folly and shame to him.
Verse 14
KJV The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
ASV The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear?
WEB A man’s spirit will sustain him in sickness, but a crushed spirit, who can bear?
YLT The spirit of a man sustaineth his sickness, And a smitten spirit who doth bear?
DRB The spirit of a man upholdeth his infirmity: but a spirit that is easily angered, who can bear?
DBY The spirit of a man sustaineth his infirmity; but a broken spirit who can bear?
GNV The spirit of a man will susteine his infirmitie: but a wounded spirit who can beare it?
LSB The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, But as for a broken spirit, who can bear it?
Verse 15
KJV The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
ASV The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
WEB The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
YLT The heart of the intelligent getteth knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
DRB A wise heart shall acquire knowledge: and the ear of the wise seeketh instruction.
DBY The heart of an intelligent [man] getteth knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
GNV A wise heart getteth knowledge, and the eare of the wise seeketh learning.
LSB The heart of the understanding acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
Verse 16
KJV A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
ASV A man`s gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men.
WEB A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.
YLT The gift of a man maketh room for him, And before the great it leadeth him.
DRB A man's gift enlargeth his way, and maketh him room before princes.
DBY A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
GNV A mans gift enlargeth him, and leadeth him before great men.
LSB A man’s gift makes room for him And leads him into the presence of great men.
Verse 17
KJV He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
ASV He that pleadeth his cause first [seemeth] just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out.
WEB He who pleads his cause first seems right; until another comes and questions him.
YLT Righteous <FI>is<Fi> the first in his own cause, His neighbour cometh and hath searched him.
DRB The just is first accuser of himself: his friend cometh, and shall search him.
DBY He that is first in his own cause [seemeth] just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
GNV He that is first in his owne cause, is iust: then commeth his neighbour, and maketh inquirie of him.
LSB The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him.
Verse 18
KJV The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
ASV The lot causeth contentions to cease, And parteth between the mighty.
WEB The lot settles disputes, and keeps strong ones apart.
YLT The lot causeth contentions to cease, And between the mighty it separateth.
DRB The lot suppresseth contentions, and determineth even between the mighty.
DBY The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
GNV The lot causeth contentions to cease, and maketh a partition among the mightie.
LSB The cast lot puts an end to contentions And decides between the mighty ones.
Verse 19
KJV A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
ASV A brother offended [is harder to be won] than a strong city; And [such] contentions are like the bars of a castle.
WEB A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city; and disputes are like the bars of a fortress.
YLT A brother transgressed against is as a strong city, And contentions as the bar of a palace.
DRB A brother that is helped by his brother, is like a strong city: and judgments are like the bars of cities.
DBY A brother offended is [harder to be won] than a strong city; and contentions are as the bars of a palace.
GNV A brother offended is harder to winne then a strong citie, and their contentions are like the barre of a palace.
LSB A brother offended is harder to win over than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a citadel.
Verse 20
KJV A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
ASV A man`s belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied.
WEB A man’s stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth. With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.
YLT From the fruit of a man's mouth is his belly satisfied, <FI>From the<Fi> increase of his lips he is satisfied.
DRB Of the fruit of a man's mouth shall his belly be satisfied: and the offspring of his lips shall fill him.
DBY A man's belly is satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; with the increase of his lips is he satisfied.
GNV With the fruite of a mans mouth shall his belly be satisfied, and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
LSB From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; With the produce of his lips he will be satisfied.
Verse 21
KJV Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
ASV Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
WEB Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit.
YLT Death and life <FI>are<Fi> in the power of the tongue, And those loving it eat its fruit.
DRB Death and life are in the power of the tongue: they that love it, shall eat the fruits thereof.
DBY Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
GNV Death and life are in the power of ye tongue, and they that loue it, shall eate the fruite thereof.
LSB Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
Verse 22
KJV Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
ASV Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favor of Jehovah.
WEB Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of Yahweh.
YLT <FI> Whoso<Fi> hath found a wife hath found good, And bringeth out good-will from Jehovah.
DRB He that hath found a good wife, hath found a good thing, and shall receive a pleasure from the Lord. He that driveth away a good wife, driveth away a good thing: but he that keepeth an adulteress, is foolish and wicked.
DBY Whoso hath found a wife hath found a good thing, and hath obtained favour from Jehovah.
GNV He that findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and receiueth fauour of the Lord.
LSB He who finds a wife finds a good thing And obtains favor from Yahweh.
Verse 23
KJV The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
ASV The poor useth entreaties; But the rich answereth roughly.
WEB The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.
YLT <FI> With<Fi> supplications doth the poor speak, And the rich answereth fierce things.
DRB The poor will speak with supplications, and the rich will speak roughly.
DBY He that is poor speaketh with supplications, but the rich answereth roughly.
GNV The poore speaketh with prayers: but the rich answereth roughly.
LSB The poor man speaks supplications, But the rich man answers with strong words.
Verse 24
KJV A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
ASV He that maketh many friends [doeth it] to his own destruction; But there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
WEB A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
YLT A man with friends <FI>is<Fi> to show himself friendly, And there is a lover adhering more than a brother!
DRB A man amiable in society, shall be more friendly than a brother.
DBY A man of [many] friends will come to ruin but there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.
GNV A man that hath friends, ought to shew him selfe friendly: for a friend is neerer then a brother.
LSB A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.