Proverbios 18

1 El que vive aislado busca su propio deseo, contra todo consejo se encoleriza.

2 El necio no se deleita en la prudencia, sino sólo en revelar su corazón.

3 Cuando llega el impío, llega también el desprecio, y con la deshonra viene la afrenta.

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

5 No es bueno mostrar preferencia por el impío, para ignorar al justo en el juicio.

6 Los labios del necio provocan contienda, y su boca llama a los golpes.

7 La boca del necio es su ruina, y sus labios una trampa para su alma.

8 Las palabras del chismoso son como bocados deliciosos, y penetran hasta el fondo de las entrañas.

9 También el que es negligente en su trabajo es hermano del que destruye.

10 El nombre del SEÑOR es torre fuerte, a ella corre el justo y está a salvo.

11 La fortuna del rico es su ciudad fortificada, y como muralla alta en su imaginación.

12 Antes de la destrucción el corazón del hombre es altivo, pero a la gloria precede la humildad.

13 El que responde antes de escuchar, cosecha necedad y verguenza.

14 El espíritu del hombre puede soportar su enfermedad, pero el espíritu quebrantado, ¿quién lo puede sobrellevar?

15 El corazón del prudente adquiere conocimiento, y el oído del sabio busca el conocimiento.

16 La dádiva del hombre le abre camino y lo lleva ante la presencia de los grandes.

17 Justo parece el primero que defiende su causa hasta que otro viene y lo examina.

18 La suerte pone fin a las contiendas y decide entre los poderosos.

19 El hermano ofendido es más difícil de ganar que una ciudad fortificada, y las contiendas son como cerrojos de fortaleza.

20 Con el fruto de su boca el hombre sacia su vientre, con el producto de sus labios se saciará.

21 Muerte y vida están en poder de la lengua, y los que la aman comerán su fruto.

22 El que halla esposa halla algo bueno y alcanza el favor del SEÑOR.

23 El pobre habla suplicando, pero el rico responde con dureza.

24 El hombre de muchos amigos se arruina, pero hay amigo 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 ) .