Proverbs 18

1 A loner is out to get what he wants for himself. He opposes all sound reasoning.

2 A fool does not find joy in understanding but only in expressing his own opinion.

3 When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and insult comes along with disgrace.

4 The words of a person's mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is an overflowing stream.

5 It is not good to be partial toward a wicked person, thereby depriving an innocent person of justice.

6 By talking, a fool gets into an argument, and his mouth invites a beating.

7 A fool's mouth is his ruin. His lips are a trap to his soul.

8 The words of a gossip are swallowed greedily, and they go down into a person's innermost being.

9 Whoever is lazy in his work is related to a vandal.

10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower. A righteous person runs to it and is safe.

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

12 Before destruction a person's heart is arrogant, but humility comes before honor.

13 Whoever gives an answer before he listens is stupid and shameful.

14 A person's spirit can endure sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit?

15 The mind of a person who has understanding acquires knowledge. The ears of wise people seek knowledge.

16 A gift opens doors for the one who gives it and brings him into the presence of great people.

17 The first to state his case seems right [until] his neighbor comes to cross-examine him.

18 Flipping a coin ends quarrels and settles [issues] between powerful people.

19 An offended brother is more [resistant] than a strong city, and disputes are like the locked gate of a castle tower.

20 A person's speaking ability provides for his stomach. His talking provides him a living.

21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love to talk will have to eat their own words.

22 Whoever finds a wife finds something good and has obtained favor from the LORD.

23 A poor person is timid when begging, but a rich person is blunt when replying.

24 Friends can destroy one another, but a loving friend can stick closer than family.

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 ) .