Proverbs 18

The Selfishness of the Unfriendly

1 He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.

2 A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.

3 With a wicked man comes contempt as well, and shame is accompanied by disgrace.

4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

5 Showing partiality ^[a] to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice.

6 A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.

7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.

9 Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.

10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it ^[b] and are safe.

11 A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; it is like a high wall in his imagination.

12 Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.

13 He who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace to him.

14 The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit?

15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out.

16 A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.

17 The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.

18 Casting the lot ends quarrels and separates strong opponents.

19 An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle.

20 From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.

21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.

23 The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.

24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays 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 ) .

Footnotes

• [a]. Hebrew Lifting the face
• [b]. Or to Him