Proverbs 18

1 A person who isn't friendly looks out only for himself. He opposes all good sense.

2 A foolish person doesn't want to understand. He takes delight in saying only what he thinks.

3 People hate it when evil comes. And they refuse to honor those who bring shame.

4 The words of a person's mouth are like deep water. But the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.

5 It isn't good to favor those who do wrong. And it isn't good to hold back what is fair from those who aren't guilty.

6 What a foolish person says leads to arguing. He is just asking for a beating.

7 The words of a foolish person drag him down. He is trapped by what he says.

8 The words of anyone who talks about others are like tasty bites of food. They go deep down inside you.

9 Anyone who doesn't want to work is like someone who destroys.

10 The name of the LORD is like a strong tower. Godly people run to it and are safe.

11 The wealth of rich people is like a city that makes them feel safe. They think of it as a city with walls that can't be climbed.

12 If a man's heart is proud, he will be destroyed. So don't be proud if you want to be honored.

13 To answer before listening is foolish and shameful.

14 A man's cheerful heart gives him strength when he is sick. You can't keep going if you have a broken spirit.

15 Those whose hearts understand what is right get knowledge. The ears of those who are wise listen for it.

16 A gift opens the way for the one who gives it. It helps him meet important people.

17 The first one to tell his case seems right. Then someone else comes forward and questions him.

18 Casting lots will put a stop to arguing. It will keep the strongest enemies apart.

19 A broken friendship is harder to deal with than a city that has high walls around it. And arguing is like the locked gates of a mighty city.

20 A man can fill his stomach with what he says. The words from his lips can satisfy him.

21 Your tongue has the power of life and death. Those who love to talk will eat the fruit of their words.

22 The one who finds a wife finds what is good. He receives favor from the Lord.

23 Poor people beg for mercy. But rich people answer in a mean way.

24 Even a man who has many companions can be destroyed. But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

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 ) .