Proverbs 18

1 Unfriendly people look out for themselves; they bicker with sensible people.

2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing their opinion.

3 When the wicked arrive, so does contempt; with shame comes insult.

4 The words of a person's mouth are deep waters, a bubbling stream, a fountain of wisdom.

5 Favoring the wicked isn't good; it denies justice to the righteous.

6 The lips of fools make accusations; their mouths elicit beatings.

7 The mouth of fools is their ruin; their lips are a trap for their lives.

8 The words of gossips are like choice snacks; they go down to the inmost parts.

9 Those who are lazy in their work are brothers to thugs.

10 The LORD's name is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and find refuge.

11 The riches of the wealthy are a strong city and like a high wall in their imagination.

12 Pride comes before a disaster, but humility comes before respect.

13 Those who answer before they listen are foolish and disgraceful.

14 The human spirit sustains a sick person, but who can bear a broken spirit?

15 An understanding mind gains knowledge; the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16 A gift opens the way for access to important people.

17 The first person to testify seems innocent, until the other comes and cross-examines him.

18 The dice settle conflicts and keep strong opponents apart.

19 An offended ally is more formidable than a city; such quarreling is like the bars of a castle.

20 The stomach is satisfied by the fruit of the mouth; one's lips can earn a satisfying income.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit.

22 He who finds a wife finds what is good, gaining favor from the LORD.

23 The poor plead for help, but the wealthy answer harshly.

24 There are persons for companionship, but then there are friends who are more loyal than family.

Proverbs 18 Commentary

Chapter 18

Verse 1 If we would get knowledge and grace, we must try all methods of improving ourselves. Verse 2 . Those make nothing to purpose, of learning or religion, whose only design is to have something to make a show with. Verse 3 . As soon as sin entered, shame followed. Verse 4 . The well-spring of wisdom in the heart of a believer, continually supplies words of wisdom. Verse 5 . The merits of a cause ( proverbs 18:6-7 ) do to themselves by their ungoverned tongues! Verse 8 . How base are those that sow contention! and what fatal effects may be expected from small beginnings of jealousy! Verse 9 . Omissions of duty, and in duty, are fatal to the soul, as well as commissions ( proverbs 18:10-11 ) Lord Jesus Christ, forms a strong tower for the believer, who relies on the Lord. How deceitful the defence of the rich man, who has his portion and treasure in this world! It is a strong city and a high wall only in his own conceit; for it will fail when most in need. They will be exposed to the just wrath of that Judge whom they despised as a Saviour. Verse 12 . After the heart has been lifted up with pride, a fall comes. But honour shall be the reward of humility. Verse 13 . Eagerness, with self-conceit, will expose to shame. Verse 14 . Firmness of mind supports under many pains and trials. But when the conscience is tortured with remorse, no human fortitude can bear the misery; what then will hell be? Verse 15 . We must get knowledge, not only into our heads, but into our hearts. Verse 16 . Blessed be the Lord, who makes us welcome to come to his throne, without money and without price. May his gifts make room for him in our souls. Verse 17 . It is well to listen to our enemies, that we may form a better judgment of ourselves. Verse 18 . It was customary sometimes to refer matters to God, by casting lots, with solemn prayer. The profaning the lot, by using it in matters of diversion, or coveting what belongs to others, forms an objection to this now. Verse 19 . Great care must be taken to prevent quarrels among relations and those under obligations to each other. Wisdom and grace make it easy to forgive; but corruption makes it difficult. Verse 20 . The belly is here put for the heart, as elsewhere; and what that is filled with, our satisfaction will be accordingly, and our inward peace. Verse 21 . Many a one has caused his own death, or the death of others, by a false or injurious tongue. Verse 22 . A good wife is a great blessing to a man, and it is a token of Divine favour. Verse 23 . Poverty tells men they must not order or demand. And at the throne of God's grace we are all poor, and must use entreaties. Verse 24 . Christ Jesus never will forsake those who trust in and love him. May we be such friends to others, for our Master's sake. Having loved his own, which were in the world, he loved them unto the end; and we are his friends if we do whatever he commands us, ( John 15:14 ) .