Proverbs 18

1 Whoever ¹isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.

2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only ²in expressing his opinion.

3 When wickedness comes, contempt comes also, and with dishonor comes disgrace.

4 The words of a man's mouth are ³deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

5 It is not good to ⁴be partial to^[a] the wicked or to ⁵deprive the righteous of justice.

6 A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites ⁶a beating.

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

8 ⁸The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into ⁹the inner parts of the body.

9 Whoever is slack in his work is a ¹⁰brother to him who destroys.

10 ¹¹The name of the LORD is ¹²a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and ¹³is safe.

11 ¹⁴A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination.

12 ¹⁵Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but ¹⁶humility comes before honor.

13 If one gives an answer ¹⁷before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

14 A man's spirit will endure sickness, but ¹⁸a crushed spirit who can bear?

15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16 A man's ¹⁹gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.

17 The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.

18 ²⁰The lot puts an end to quarrels and decides between powerful contenders.

19 A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.

20 ²¹From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.

21 ²²Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

22 He who finds ²³a wife finds ²⁴a good thing and ²⁵obtains favor ²⁶from the LORD.

23 The poor use entreaties, but ²⁷the rich answer roughly.

24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but ²⁸there is a friend who sticks 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 ) .

Cross References

• 1. [Jude 19]
• 2. Proverbs 13:16; [Ecclesiastes 10:3]
• 3. Proverbs 20:5
• 4. Proverbs 24:23; Proverbs 28:21; Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 1:17; Psalms 82:2
• 5. See Proverbs 17:15
• 6. See Proverbs 19:29
• 7. Proverbs 10:14; Proverbs 12:13; Proverbs 13:3; Psalms 64:8; Psalms 140:9; Ecclesiastes 10:12
• 8. Proverbs 26:22; [Proverbs 16:28]
• 9. Proverbs 20:27
• 10. [Proverbs 28:24]
• 11. See Exodus 34:5-7
• 12. Psalms 61:3; [Psalms 18:2]; See 2 Samuel 22:3
• 13. [Psalms 20:1]
• 14. See Proverbs 10:15
• 15. See Proverbs 11:2
• 16. Proverbs 15:33
• 17. [John 7:51]
• 18. Proverbs 15:13
• 19. [Genesis 32:20; 1 Samuel 25:27]; See Proverbs 17:8
• 20. [Proverbs 16:33]
• 21. See Proverbs 12:14
• 22. Matthew 12:36, 37; [Proverbs 4:23; Proverbs 12:13]
• 23. Proverbs 12:4; Proverbs 19:14; See Proverbs 31:10-31
• 24. [Genesis 2:18]
• 25. Proverbs 8:35
• 26. Proverbs 19:14
• 27. [James 2:3, 6]
• 28. See Proverbs 17:17

Footnotes

• [a]. Hebrew to lift the face of