Proverbs 18

1 He who is selfish seeks a craving; against all sound judgment he shows contempt.

2 A fool will not take pleasure in understanding, but in expressing his heart.

3 With the coming of wickedness comes contempt also, and with dishonor, disgrace.

4 Deep waters [are] words of the mouth of a man; a gushing stream [is] a fountain of wisdom.

5 Being partial [to] faces of evil [is] not good, [nor] to subvert the righteous at the judgment.

6 The lips of a fool will bring strife, and his mouth calls out for a flogging.

7 The mouth of a fool [is] ruin to him, and his lips [are] a snare to his soul.

8 The words of a whisper [are] like delicious morsels, and they themselves go down [to] inner parts of the body.

9 Even he who is slack in his work, he is brother to a master of destruction.

10 A tower of strength is the name of Yahweh; into him the righteous will run and be safe.

11 The wealth of the rich [is] {his strong city}, and like a wall, it is high in his imagination.

12 In the presence of destruction, the heart of a man will be haughty, but in the presence of honor, humble.

13 He who returns a word before he will hear, folly itself [belongs] to him as well as shame.

14 The spirit of a man will endure his sickness, but a broken spirit, who may bear it?

15 An intelligent {mind} will acquire knowledge, and the ear of the wise will seek knowledge.

16 The gift of a person will open doors for him, and before the great, it gives him access.

17 The first in his dispute is [deemed] righteous, [but] his neighbor will come and examine him.

18 The lot will put an end to disputes, and between powerful contenders it will decide.

19 A brother who is offended [is worse] than a city of strength, and quarrels [are] like the bars of a fortification.

20 From the fruit of a man's mouth, his stomach will be satisfied, as for the yield of his lips, it will satisfy.

21 Death and life [are] in the {power} of the tongue, and those who love her will eat of her fruit.

22 He who finds a wife finds good, and he will obtain favor from Yahweh.

23 The poor may speak entreaties, but the rich will answer roughly.

24 A man of [many] friends will come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

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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 ) .