Proverbs 18:13 says, He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.  I believe that this means that a person shouldn't speak about something before that person really knows all the facts.  This would include repeating gossip.  We should always know that what we are saying is true before we say it.  Sometimes, even if it is the truth, we may be better off not saying something if it is done so simply to hurt someone else.  Verse fourteen asks, The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?  If we are broken in spirit, which I believe would mean without faith in God, then how can we bear the difficulties that come in life?  I believe that without faith in God that we cannot.  Verse fifteen states, The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.  If we are to be prudent and wise, we will seek knowledge and understanding that can only come from God.  This is more than just being educated, and is about true knowledge of how the world works under the power of God.  We cannot gain true knowledge without first acknowledging God.  Verse sixteen says,  A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.  This is referring to bribery.  Some people are able to get what they want by simply bribing those in power.  It doesn't even have to be called a bribe, but if the gift results in a favorable outcome in a situation, it is still a bribe.  Verse seventeen declares, He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.  Matthew Henry says that this means the first tale told will likely be believed until someone else contradicts it.  Then, the truth will disprove a lie generally speaking.  Verse eighteen states, The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.  In the Bible, disputes were often settled by casting lots.  It seems that at times today this might be the only way to settle disputes, especially between two strong sides.  Still, what we should be doing in all cases is seeking God's will, then holding firm to His truth.   Verse nineteen proclaims, A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.  Sometimes, when a brother or sister has been offended by something done to them, a person would find it easier to break through the bars of a castle than to get forgiveness from the one offended.  As Christians, we should always be ready to forgive though.  Verse twenty says, A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.  Matthew Henry says that the belly refers to the conscience, and that the fruit is our words.  When we speak in honesty, proclaiming God's truth, our conscience will be at ease.  Verse twenty-one states, Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.  Our tongue, or words, are powerful.  We have the power of life, when we share God's good news and proclaim His teachings about life.  We also have the power of death when we deny God and lead others to do so as well.  Of course, this could also refer to testifying about another person in court, but I believe the overall concept is about how we witness for or against God, since that is where true life and death come from.  We will be held accountable for how we use our tongue, or speak.  Verses twenty-two declares, Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.  God established marriage,, the union of one man and one woman into one flesh.  A man does well when he finds a good wife.  Again, God must be at the center of the marriage for it to be successful.  Verse twenty-three says, The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.  The poor will often ask, or beg, for help, and the rich will too often treat the poor badly instead of helping them.  God's word always tells us that we are to help the poor and never tells us to ignore or despise them.  Verse twenty-four proclaims, A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.  If we want to have friends, then we must be friendly toward others.  If we find a true friend, he or she will stick with us through hard times, sometimes even more so than our own siblings.