Proverbs 18

1 Loners who care only for themselves spit on the common good.

2 Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse; all they do is run off at the mouth.

3 When wickedness arrives, shame's not far behind; contempt for life is contemptible.

4 Many words rush along like rivers in flood, but deep wisdom flows up from artesian springs.

5 It's not right to go easy on the guilty, or come down hard on the innocent.

6 The words of a fool start fights; do him a favor and gag him.

7 Fools are undone by their big mouths; their souls are crushed by their words.

8 Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you really want junk like that in your belly?

9 Slack habits and sloppy work are as bad as vandalism.

10 God's name is a place of protection - good people can run there and be safe.

11 The rich think their wealth protects them; they imagine themselves safe behind it.

12 Pride first, then the crash, but humility is precursor to honor.

13 Answering before listening is both stupid and rude.

14 A healthy spirit conquers adversity, but what can you do when the spirit is crushed?

15 Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights.

16 A gift gets attention; it buys the attention of eminent people.

17 The first speech in a court case is always convincing - until the cross-examination starts!

18 You may have to draw straws when faced with a tough decision.

19 Do a favor and win a friend forever; nothing can untie that bond.

20 Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest.

21 Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit - you choose.

22 Find a good spouse, you find a good life - and even more: the favor of God!

23 The poor speak in soft supplications; the rich bark out answers.

24 Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like 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 ) .