Proverbs 18

1 occasiones quaerit qui vult recedere ab amico omni tempore erit exprobrabilis

2 non recipit stultus verba prudentiae nisi ea dixeris quae versantur in corde eius

3 impius cum in profundum venerit peccatorum contemnit sed sequitur eum ignominia et obprobrium

4 aqua profunda verba ex ore viri et torrens redundans fons sapientiae

5 accipere personam impii non est bonum ut declines a veritate iudicii

6 labia stulti inmiscunt se rixis et os eius iurgia provocat

7 os stulti contritio eius et labia illius ruina animae eius

8 verba bilinguis quasi simplicia et ipsa perveniunt usque ad interiora ventris

9 qui mollis et dissolutus est in opere suo frater est sua opera dissipantis

10 turris fortissima nomen Domini ad ipsum currit iustus et exaltabitur

11 substantia divitis urbs roboris eius et quasi murus validus circumdans eum

12 antequam conteratur exaltatur cor hominis et antequam glorificetur humiliatur

13 qui prius respondit quam audiat stultum se esse demonstrat et confusione dignum

14 spiritus viri sustentat inbecillitatem suam spiritum vero ad irascendum facilem quis poterit sustinere

15 cor prudens possidebit scientiam et auris sapientium quaerit doctrinam

16 donum hominis dilatat viam eius et ante principes spatium ei facit

17 iustus prior est accusator sui venit amicus eius et investigavit eum

18 contradictiones conprimit sors et inter potentes quoque diiudicat

19 frater qui adiuvatur a fratre quasi civitas firma et iudicia quasi vectes urbium

20 de fructu oris viri replebitur venter eius et genimina labiorum illius saturabunt eum

21 mors et vita in manu linguae qui diligunt eam comedent fructus eius

22 qui invenit mulierem invenit bonum et hauriet iucunditatem a Domino

23 cum obsecrationibus loquetur pauper et dives effabitur rigide

24 vir amicalis ad societatem magis amicus erit quam frater

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 ) .