Proverbs 18
1 He who keeps himself separate for his private purpose goes against all good sense.
Særlingen søger et påskud, med vold og magt vil han strid.
2 A foolish man has no pleasure in good sense, but only to let what is in his heart come to light.
Tåben ynder ej Indsigt, men kun, at hans Tanker kommer for Lyset.
3 When the evil-doer comes, a low opinion comes with him, and with the loss of honour comes shame.
Hvor Gudløshed kommer, kommer og Spot, Skam og Skændsel følges.
4 The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters: the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.
Ord i Mands Mund er dybe Vande, en rindende Bæk, en Visdomskilde.
5 To have respect for the person of the evil-doer is not good, or to give a wrong decision against the upright.
Det er ilde at give en skyldig Medhold, så man afviser skyldfris Sag i Retten.
6 A foolish man's lips are a cause of fighting, and his mouth makes him open to blows.
Tåbens Læber fører til Trætte, hans Mund råber højt efter Hug,
7 The mouth of a foolish man is his destruction, and his lips are a net for his soul.
Tåbens Mund er hans Våde, hans Læber en Snare for hans Liv.
8 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.
Bagtalerens Ord er som Lækkerbidskener, de synker dybt i Bugen.
9 He who does not give his mind to his work is brother to him who makes destruction.
Den, der er efterladen i Gerning, er også Broder til Ødeland.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the upright man running into it is safe.
HERRENs Navn er et stærkt Tårn, den retfærdige løber derhen og bjærges.
11 The property of a man of wealth is his strong town, and it is as a high wall in the thoughts of his heart.
Den riges Gods er hans faste Stad, og tykkes ham en knejsende Mur.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is full of pride, and before honour goes a gentle spirit.
Mands Hovmod går forud for Fald, Ydmyghed forud for Ære.
13 To give an answer before hearing is a foolish thing and a cause of shame.
Om nogen svarer, førend han hører, regnes det ham til Dårskab og Skændsel.
14 The spirit of a man will be his support when he is ill; but how may a broken spirit be lifted up?
Mands Mod udholder Sygdom, men hvo kan bære en sønderbrudt Ånd?
15 The heart of the man of good sense gets knowledge; the ear of the wise is searching for knowledge.
Den forstandiges Hjerte vinder sig Kundskab, de vises Øre attrår Kundskab.
16 A man's offering makes room for him, letting him come before great men.
Gaver åbner et Menneske Vej og fører ham hen til de store.
17 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.
Den, der taler først i en Trætte har Ret, til den anden kommer og går ham efter.
18 The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong.
Loddet gør Ende på Trætter og skiller de stærkeste ad.
19 A brother wounded is like a strong town, and violent acts are like a locked tower.
Krænket Broder er som en Fæstning, Trætter som Portslå for Borg.
20 With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be full; the produce of his lips will be his in full measure.
Mands Bug mættes af Mundens Frugt, han mættes af Læbernes Grøde.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those to whom it is dear will have its fruit for their food.
Død og Liv er i Tungens Vold, hvo der tøjler den, nyder dens Frugt.
22 Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord.
Fandt man en Hustru, fandt man Lykken og modtog Nåde fra HERREN.
23 The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer.
Fattigmand beder og trygler, Rigmand svarer med hårde Ord.
24 There are friends who may be a man's destruction, but there is a lover who keeps nearer than a brother.
Med mange Fæller kan Mand gå til Grunde, men Ven kan overgå Broder i Troskab.
