Words of a fool

6 A fool's lips bring him strife,and his mouth invites a beating.

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

8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to a man's inmost parts.

9 One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.

10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it an unscalable wall.

12 Before his downfall a man's heart is proud,but humility comes before honor.

13 He who answers before listening-that is his folly and his shame.

14 A man's spirit sustains him in sickness,but a crushed spirit who can bear?

15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge;
the ears of the wise seek it out.

Proverbs 18:6 - 15 (NIV)