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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

Proverbs 18:15–22

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.
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PASSAGE SELECTION

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Choose up to 10 verses in this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

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Reference depth

From verse 15

  1. James 1:5Rank 1 from verse 15
    Open

    5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

  2. Proverbs 15:14Rank 2 from verse 15
    Open

    14The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

  3. Luke 10:39Rank 3 from verse 15
    Open

    39And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.

  4. Proverbs 1:5Rank 4 from verse 15
    Open

    5A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

  5. Proverbs 9:9Rank 5 from verse 15
    Open

    9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

From verse 16

  1. Proverbs 19:6Rank 1 from verse 16
    Open

    6Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.

  2. Genesis 33:10Rank 2 from verse 16
    Open

    10And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.

  3. Genesis 43:11Rank 3 from verse 16
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    11And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:

  4. 1 Samuel 25:27Rank 4 from verse 16
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    27And now this blessing which thine handmaid hath brought unto my lord, let it even be given unto the young men that follow my lord.

  5. Proverbs 17:8Rank 5 from verse 16
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    8A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

From verse 17

  1. Proverbs 18:13Rank 1 from verse 17
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    13He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

  2. Acts 24:12–13Rank 2 from verse 17
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    12And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:

    13Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

  3. 2 Samuel 19:24–27Rank 3 from verse 17
    Open

    24¶ And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace.

    25And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth?

    26And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to the king; because thy servant is lame.

    27And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes.

  4. 2 Samuel 16:1–3Rank 4 from verse 17
    Open

    1AND when David was a little past the top of the hill, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.

    2And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses be for the king’s household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink.

    3And the king said, And where is thy master’s son? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he abideth at Jerusalem: for he said, To day shall the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father.

  5. Acts 24:5–6Rank 5 from verse 17
    Open

    5For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

    6Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.

From verse 18

  1. Proverbs 16:33Rank 1 from verse 18
    Open

    33The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.

  2. Nehemiah 11:1Rank 2 from verse 18
    Open

    1AND the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.

  3. 1 Chronicles 24:31Rank 3 from verse 18
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    31These likewise cast lots over against their brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principal fathers over against their younger brethren.

  4. 1 Chronicles 6:63Rank 4 from verse 18
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    63Unto the sons of Merari were given by lot, throughout their families, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.

  5. 1 Samuel 10:21–27Rank 5 from verse 18
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    21When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found.

    22Therefore they inquired of the Lord further, if the man should yet come thither. And the Lord answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff.

    23And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward.

    24And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the Lord hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king.

    25Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the Lord. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house.

    26¶ And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched.

    27But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.

From verse 19

  1. Proverbs 16:32Rank 1 from verse 19
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    32He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

  2. Acts 15:39Rank 2 from verse 19
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    39And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

  3. Proverbs 6:19Rank 3 from verse 19
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    19A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

  4. 1 Kings 12:16Rank 4 from verse 19
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    16¶ So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.

  5. Genesis 37:3–5Rank 5 from verse 19
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    3Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours.

    4And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.

    5¶ And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.

From verse 20

  1. Proverbs 12:13–14Rank 1 from verse 20
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    13The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

    14A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.

  2. Proverbs 25:11–12Rank 2 from verse 20
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    11A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

    12As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

  3. Proverbs 13:2Rank 3 from verse 20
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    2A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.

  4. Proverbs 22:18Rank 4 from verse 20
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    18For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.

  5. Proverbs 22:21Rank 5 from verse 20
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    21That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

From verse 21

  1. Ephesians 4:29Rank 1 from verse 21
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    29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

  2. Matthew 12:35–37Rank 2 from verse 21
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    35A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

    36But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

    37For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

  3. Colossians 4:6Rank 3 from verse 21
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    6Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

  4. Proverbs 10:19–21Rank 4 from verse 21
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    19In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

    20The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

    21The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

  5. James 3:6–9Rank 5 from verse 21
    Open

    6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

    7For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

    8But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

    9Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

From verse 22

  1. Proverbs 19:14Rank 1 from verse 22
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    14House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the Lord.

  2. Proverbs 31:10–31Rank 2 from verse 22
    Open

    10¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

    11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

    12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

    13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

    14She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

    15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

    16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

    17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

    18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

    19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

    20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

    21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

    22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

    23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

    24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

    25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

    26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

    27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

    28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

    29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

    30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

    31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

  3. Proverbs 12:4Rank 3 from verse 22
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    4A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

  4. Ecclesiastes 9:9Rank 4 from verse 22
    Open

    9Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.

  5. 1 Corinthians 7:2Rank 5 from verse 22
    Open

    2Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 18:15

COMBINED MEANING

heart

↗

Sense 1: The bodily organ. Sense 2: The inward person: the mind, will, affections, conscience, or moral character.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

prudent

↗

Wise, discerning, thoughtful, circumspect, and careful in judgment or conduct.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Bullokar 1616

COMBINED MEANING

ear

↗

Sense 1: The organ of hearing. Sense 2: The seed-bearing head of grain.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

wise

↗

Sense 1: Possessing or exercising understanding, knowledge, prudence, judgment, discernment, or skill; also a wise person. Sense 2: In phrases such as in no wise, way, manner, respect, or degree.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 18:16

COMBINED MEANING

man

↗

1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

gift

↗

Sense 1: Something given or bestowed; a present. Sense 2: An endowment or ability. Sense 3: A bribe.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

COMBINED MEANING

maketh

↗

Third-person singular present form of make (to form, create, produce, cause, appoint, perform, or render into a stated condition).

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

before

↗

Earlier than in time; in front of; in the presence of; or prior in order or rank.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 18:17

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

cause

↗

Sense 1: A reason, ground, matter in dispute, or judicial case. Sense 2: As a verb, to make something happen.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

seemeth

↗

Third-person singular present form of seem, meaning to appear, be regarded, or be fitting.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 18:18

COMBINED MEANING

lot

↗

1. An object cast or drawn to decide or assign a matter. 2. A portion, inheritance, office, place, or condition assigned or allotted.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

cease

↗

To stop or leave off, to come to an end, or to cause something to stop or end.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

parteth

↗

Third-person singular present form of part, meaning to divide, separate, depart, or share.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

mighty

↗

Possessing or displaying great strength, power, ability, rank, or effect.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 18:19

COMBINED MEANING

brother

↗

Sense 1: A male sibling; a near kinsman. Sense 2: A fellow member of a people or faith.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

offended

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of offend. Sense 1: To transgress, sin, or act wrongly against. Sense 2: To displease or scandalize; to cause oneself or another to stumble or fall into sin.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

won

↗

Gained, acquired, conquered, or brought over by persuasion or conduct.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

strong

↗

Having great power, might, firmness, courage, capacity, influence, defence, health, intensity, or ability to act, endure, resist, overcome, or support.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

like

↗

Sense 1: Similar or of the same kind; in the same manner; likely. Sense 2: A like person or thing; an equal or counterpart. Sense 3: To please, choose, or regard with favour.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

bars

↗

Sense 1: Rigid rods, crosspieces, or bolts used to join, strengthen, close, or secure a structure or gate. Sense 2: Figuratively, strong barriers, bonds, or restraints.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

castle

↗

A house fortified for defense against an enemy; a fortress.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 18:20

COMBINED MEANING

man

↗

1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

satisfied

↗

Past-tense or past-participial form of satisfy (to fill, content, supply sufficiently, or meet what is required).

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

fruit

↗

Sense 1: The produce borne by plants or the land. Sense 2: Offspring or increase. Sense 3: A result, product, consequence, character, or work proceeding from something.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

mouth

↗

Sense 1: The bodily opening used for eating, breathing, and speaking. Sense 2: The opening or entrance of a thing. Sense 3: Speech, utterance, or the agency of speaking.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

increase

↗

Sense 1: Growth, produce, yield, offspring, gain, or enlargement. Sense 2: To grow, multiply, add to, enlarge, or intensify.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

lips

↗

Sense 1: The physical borders of the mouth. Sense 2: By extension, speech or utterance.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

filled

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of fill. Sense 1: To make full or occupy capacity. Sense 2: To satisfy. Sense 3: To occupy. Sense 4: To complete what is lacking.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 18:21

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

power

↗

Sense 1: Ability, strength, force, or effective capacity to act, prevail, or produce an effect. Sense 2: Authority, right, permission, rule, dominion, or control. Sense 3: A person, authority, host, spiritual being, or other agent possessing or manifesting power.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

tongue

↗

1. The organ of the mouth used for tasting and speech. 2. Speech, words, or a language. 3. A tongue-shaped projection or arm of land or water.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

love

↗

Sense 1: Affection, attachment, delight, goodwill, commitment, or devotion. Sense 2: To regard with affection or devotion. Sense 3: A beloved person.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

eat

↗

To take food into the body; to consume, devour, or waste away.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

fruit

↗

Sense 1: The produce borne by plants or the land. Sense 2: Offspring or increase. Sense 3: A result, product, consequence, character, or work proceeding from something.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 18:22

COMBINED MEANING

findeth

↗

Third-person singular present form of find (to discover, meet with, obtain, perceive, or learn by search or experience).

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

good

↗

Sense 1: Right, morally upright, beneficial, pleasing, useful, suitable, sound, favourable, or excellent. Sense 2: A good thing, benefit, welfare, possession, or goods. Sense 3: In ‘make good,’ to repair, repay, fulfil, establish, or prove.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

favour

↗

Sense 1: Goodwill, approval, acceptance, kindness, mercy, support, or beneficial regard. Sense 2: Pleasing appearance or charm. Sense 3: To regard, support, prefer, or treat kindly.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

FOLLOW THE THEME

Related Concepts

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READ BEFORE AND AFTER

Surrounding Verses

Nearby Scripture remains separate from the selected passage until you add it.

14The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

15The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

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16A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

Selected passage

17He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

Selected passage

18The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

Selected passage

19A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

Selected passage

20A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

Selected passage

21Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Selected passage

22Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.

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23The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

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