Proverbs 18:16-24

BBE(i) 16 A man's offering makes room for him, letting him come before great men. 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. 18 The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong. 19 A brother wounded is like a strong town, and violent acts are like a locked tower. 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. 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. 22 Whoever gets a wife gets a good thing, and has the approval of the Lord. 23 The poor man makes requests for grace, but the man of wealth gives a rough answer. 24 There are friends who may be a man's destruction, but there is a lover who keeps nearer than a brother.