Proverbs 18:16-24

16A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great. 17The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him. 18The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders. 19A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. 20From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. 21Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. 22He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. 23The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly. 24A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.