---
title: Joseph Smith Translation (1867 edition)
description: Proverbs from the Joseph Smith Translation (JST), 1867 edition.
authors:
  - Smith, Joseph, Jr.
collections:
  - joseph-smith
tags:
  - translation
published: "1867"
publisher: RLDS Publication Board
publisher_place: Plano, Illinois
publisher_note: "The title page reads: Published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; Joseph Smith, I. L. Rogers, E. Robinson, Publishing Committee; 1867."
edition: First edition (Plano, 1867)
language: en
type: book
chapter: 18
verse_count: 24
reference: "Joseph Smith Jr., *Joseph Smith Translation*, first edition (Plano, IL: RLDS Publication Board, 1867), Proverbs, chap. 18, https://archive.org/details/holyscripturestr00smituoft."
source:
  url: https://archive.org/details/holyscripturestr00smituoft
  identifier: holyscripturestr00smituoft
  scan: University of Toronto / Trinity College Library copy, Internet Archive
  transcription: "OCR text of the 1867 scans (Toronto copy and a second copy, holyscriptures00smit), reconciled word by word; Romans was also checked against the page images. Method, per-chapter validation log and known limits: docs/jst-1867-import.md."
rights:
  status: public-domain
  basis: 1867 US publication
  source: https://archive.org/details/holyscripturestr00smituoft
  publication_year: 1867
---

# Proverbs 18

**1** THROUGH desire, a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
**2** A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
**3** When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
**4** The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the well-spring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
**5** It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
**6** A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
**7** A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
**8** The words of a tale-bearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
**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.
**11** The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own conceit.
**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.
**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.
**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 good wife hath obtained favour of the Lord.
**23** The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
**24** A man that hath friends must show himself friendly; and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.