Proverbs 18 Study Notes

18:14 Psychological or spiritual brokenness (15:13) is worse than physical sickness.

18:15 Unlike the fool who hates knowledge (1:22), refuses to listen (18:13), and does not intend to buy wisdom (17:16), the wise seek to hear knowledge (see note at 1:4), and the discerning (see note at 1:5) mind acquires (see note at 4:5-8) knowledge.

18:16 This gift is a bribe (see note at 15:27). It “makes room” or provides relief and brings a man safely (the word is used of shepherds leading their sheep) into the presence of important people, such as kings and judges. This is an astute observation: bribery appears to work (17:8; 19:6; 21:14). However, only those who hate bribes will ultimately prosper (15:27).

18:17 To cross-examine is literally to “search,” to diligently test or scrutinize to find what is hidden (25:2; 28:11).

18:18 On the lot, see note at 16:33. Flipping a coin can put an end to even the harshest argument. This is the only place in Proverbs where separates has a good sense (cp. v. 1; 16:28; 17:9; 19:4).

18:19 The brother is offended, having suffered a perceived loss or crime. Metal bars were used to reinforce the doors of a fortress. It was nearly impossible to get through in order to reconcile the situation.

18:20 Fruit is the harvest that results over time from what was initiated, as wheat comes from a sown field. Satisfied and filled are the same word in Hebrew. In a bad sense it can mean “glutted” (25:16-17). The approach a person takes in his speech will return to him. If his speech is wicked, he will get his fill of depravity (1:31); if his speech is honorable, he will get all the good things he needs (12:14; cp. 14:14; 28:19).

18:21 The tongue is powerful (Jms 3:1-12). Those who love the tongue and eat its fruit are those who choose to live or die under its power, like those who live by the sword (Gn 27:40; Mt 26:52), by the law (Neh 9:29; Ezk 20:11; Rm 10:5; Gl 3:12), or by faith (Hab 2:4; Rm 1:17; Gl 3:11). Prudent speech brings life (v. 20; 12:14; 13:2; 21:23), and wicked or excessive speech brings death (13:3; Mt 15:18-19).

18:22 The good thing is literally abstract “good”; in other contexts it is translated “success” (16:20; 17:20; 19:8). On favor, see note at 19:6.

18:23 To plead is to appeal for mercy or cry for help (Pss 86:6; 116:1; 130:2; 140:6) or present a petition (2Ch 6:21; Dn 9:3,17). The rich one thinks his wealth will allow him to get away with answering roughly (lit “strong, fierce”). But words can come back to kill the speaker (13:3; 18:20-21) and wealth cannot save (11:28; 18:11).

18:24 The first friends are neighbors or companions, who may be attracted by money (19:4). The second kind of friend is literally “one who loves.” Jesus is such a friend to his followers (Jn 15:13-14).