Proverbios 18

1 El egoísta busca su propio bien;contra todo sano juicio se rebela.

2 Al necio no le complace el discernimiento;tan solo hace alarde de su propia opinión.

3 Con la maldad, viene el desprecio,y con la vergüenza llega el oprobio.

4 Las palabras del hombre son aguas profundas,arroyo de aguas vivas, fuente de sabiduría.

5 No está bien declarar inocente al^[a] malvadoy dejar de lado los derechos del justo.

6 Los labios del necio son causa de contienda;su boca incita a la riña.

7 La boca del necio es su perdición;sus labios son para él una trampa mortal.

8 Los chismes son deliciosos manjares;penetran hasta lo más íntimo del ser.

9 El que es negligente en su trabajoconfraterniza con el que es destructivo.

10 Torre inexpugnable es el nombre del SEÑOR;a ella corren los justos y se ponen a salvo.

11 Ciudad amurallada es la riqueza para el rico,y este cree que sus muros son inexpugnables.

12 Al fracaso lo precede la soberbia humana;a los honores los precede la humildad.

13 Es necio y vergonzosoresponder antes de escuchar.

14 En la enfermedad, el ánimo levanta al enfermo;¿pero quién podrá levantar al abatido?

15 El corazón prudente adquiere conocimiento;los oídos de los sabios procuran hallarlo.

16 Con regalos se abren todas las puertasy se llega a la presencia de gente importante.

17 El primero en presentar su caso parece inocente,hasta que llega la otra parte y lo refuta.

18 El echar suertes pone fin a los litigiosy decide entre las partes en pugna.

19 Más resiste el hermano ofendido que una ciudad amurallada;los litigios son como cerrojos de ciudadela.

20 Cada uno se llena con lo que dicey se sacia con lo que habla.

21 En la lengua hay poder de vida y muerte;quienes la aman comerán de su fruto.

22 Quien halla esposa halla la felicidad:muestras de su favor le ha dado el SEÑOR.

23 El pobre habla en tono suplicante;el rico responde con aspereza.

24 Hay amigos^[b] que llevan a la ruina,y hay amigos más fieles que un hermano.

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Proverbios 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 ) .