Proverbs 18

1 Whosoever goes astray seeks according to his own lust and shall meddle with every doctrine.

2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but in that which his own heart discovers.

3 When the wicked comes, then comes also contempt, and with him who dishonours, reproach.

4 The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

5 To respect the person of the wicked so that the righteous loses that which is rightfully his is not good.

6 A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for strokes.

7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

8 The words of a talebearer seem smooth, but they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

9 He also that is negligent in his work is brother to him that is the great spendthrift.

10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous shall run into it, and be raised up.

11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city and as a high wall in his imagination.

12 Before being broken, the heart of man is haughty, and before coming into honour, comes being brought to humility.

13 For him that answers a word before he hears, it is folly and reproach unto him.

14 The spirit of man will bear his infirmity, but a broken spirit who can bear?

15 The heart of the man of understanding acquires wisdom, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16 A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.

17 The one who is just is first in his cause, his adversary comes and seeks him out.

18 The lot causes contentions to cease and decides between the mighty.

19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

20 A man’s belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth, and with the product of his lips shall he be filled.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those that love it shall eat its fruit.

22 Whosoever found a wife found a good thing and has attained the favour of the LORD.

23 The poor uses intreaties, but the rich answer roughly.

24 The man that has friends must show himself to be a friend, and there is a friend that 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 ) .