Proverbs 18:12-19

12Before destruction the heart of a person is proud, but humility comes before honor.

13The one who gives an answer before he listens – that is his folly and his shame.

14A person’s spirit sustains him through sickness – but who can bear a crushed spirit?

15The discerning person acquires knowledge, and the wise person seeks knowledge.

16A person’s gift makes room for him, and leads him before important people.

17The first to state his case seems right, until his opponent begins to cross-examine him.

18A toss of a coin ends disputes, and settles the issue between strong opponents.

19A relative offended is harder to reach than a strong city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a fortified citadel.