The Skeptics Annotated Bible (496 page)

5
It is not good to
accept the person of the wicked, to
overthrow the righteous in judgment.

(18.5)
“It is not good to … overthrow the righteous in judgment.”
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?

6
A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

(18.6)
“A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.”
Fools are meant to be beaten.

(18.7-9)

7
A fool’s mouth is his destruction
, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

(18.7)
“A fool’s mouth is his destruction.”

8
The words of a talebearer are as wounds
, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

(18.8)
“The words of a talebearer are as wounds.”

9
He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

(18.9)
“He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.”

10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

(18.10)
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”
35 Has there ever been a righteous person?

(18.11-13)

11
The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

(18.11)
“The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.”

12
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility
.

(18.12)
“Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.”

13
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

(18.13)
“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”

“He that sups with the devil must have a long spoon.”
(Just joking. That’s not in Proverbs. It’s a line from the movie “Inherit the Wind.”)

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

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

(18.15)
“The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(18.22)
“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing.”
15 Is marriage a good thing?

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

24
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

(18.24)
“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”

(19.1-15)