Proverbs 18

⁹ One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys. ¹⁰ The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. ¹¹ The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale. ¹² Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. ¹³ To answer before listening— that is folly and shame. ¹⁴ The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? ¹⁵ The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. ¹⁶ A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.