Proverbs 18

1 A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses; but at all times he will be liable to reproach.

2 A senseless man feels no need of wisdom, for he is rather led by folly.

3 When an ungodly man comes into a depth of evils, he despises ; but dishonour and reproach come upon him.

4 A word in the heart of a man is a deep water, and a river and fountain of life spring forth.

5 not good to accept the person of the ungodly, nor holy to pervert justice in judgment.

6 The lips of a fool bring into troubles, and his bold mouth calls for death.

7 A fool's mouth is ruin to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

8 Fear casts down the slothful; and the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.

9 A man who helps not himself by his labour is brother of him that ruins himself.

10 The name of the Lord is of great strength; and the righteous running to it are exalted.

11 The wealth of a rich man is a strong city; and its glory casts a broad shadow.

12 Before ruin a man's heart is exalted, and before honour it is humble.

13 Whoso answers a word before he hears , it is folly and reproach to him.

14 A wise servant calms a man's anger; but who can endure a faint-hearted man?

15 The heart of the sensible purchases discretion; and the ears of the wise seek understanding.

16 A man's gift enlarges him, and seats him among princes.

17 A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech, but when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved.

18 A silent quells strifes, and determines between great powers.

19 A brother helped by a brother is as a strong and high city; and is strong as a -founded palace.

20 A man fills his belly with the fruits of his mouth; and he shall be satisfied with the fruits of his lips.

21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue; and they that rule it shall eat the fruits thereof.

22 He that has found a good wife has found favours, and has received gladness from God.

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 ) .

Footnotes

• [a]. Gr. having run.
• [b]. See Ps 188. (119) 32.
• [c]. Comp. Mark 14. ult. and margin, with 2 Tim 4. 14-17.
• [d]. Heb. omits this verse.