Proverbios 18

1 Segun su antojo busca el que se desvía; en toda doctrina se envolverá.

2 No toma placer el loco en la inteligencia, sino en lo que descubre su corazón.

3 Cuando viene el impío, viene también el menosprecio, y con el deshonrador la afrenta.

4 Aguas profundas son las palabras de la boca del hombre; y arroyo revertiente, la fuente de la sabiduría.

5 Tener respeto a la persona del impío, para hacer caer al justo de su derecho, no es bueno.

6 Los labios del loco vienen con pleito; y su boca a plaga llama.

7 La boca del loco es quebrantamiento para sí, y sus labios son lazos para su alma.

8 Las palabras del chismoso parecen blandas, mas ellas descienden hasta lo íntimo del vientre.

9 También el que es negligente en su obra es hermano del gran desolador.

10 Torre fuerte es el nombre del SEÑOR; a él correrá el justo, y será levantado.

11 Las riquezas del rico son la ciudad de su fortaleza, y como un muro alto en su imaginación.

12 Antes del quebrantamiento se eleva el corazón del hombre, y antes de la honra es el abatimiento.

13 El que responde palabra antes de oír, le es locura y oprobio.

14 El espíritu del hombre soportará su enfermedad; mas ¿quién soportará al espíritu quebrantado?

15 El corazón del entendido adquiere sabiduría; y el oído de los sabios busca la ciencia.

16 El don del hombre le ensancha el camino, y le lleva delante de los grandes.

17 El justo es el primero en su pleito; y su adversario viene, y le busca.

18 La suerte pone fin a los pleitos, y desparte los fuertes.

19 El hermano ofendido es más tenaz que una ciudad fuerte; y las contiendas de los hermanos son como cerrojos de alcázar.

20 Del fruto de la boca del hombre se llenará su vientre; se saciará del producto de sus labios.

21 La muerte y la vida están en poder de la lengua; y el que la ama comerá de sus frutos.

22 El que halló esposa halló el bien, y alcanzó la benevolencia del SEÑOR.

23 El pobre habla con ruegos; mas el rico responde durezas.

24 El hombre que tiene amigos, ha de mostrarse amigo; y amigo hay más unido que un hermano.

Proverbios 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 ) .