Proverbs 18

1 Unfriendly people are selfish and hate all good sense.

2 Fools do not want to understand anything. They only want to tell others what they think.

3 Do something evil, and people won't like you. Do something shameful, and they will make fun of you.

4 Spoken words can be like deep water, but wisdom is like a flowing stream.

5 It is not good to honor the wicked or to be unfair to the innocent.

6 The words of fools start quarrels. They make people want to beat them.

7 The words of fools will ruin them; their own words will trap them.

8 The words of a gossip are like tasty bits of food. People like to gobble them up.

9 A person who doesn't work hard is just like someone who destroys things.

10 The Lord is like a strong tower; those who do right can run to him for safety.

11 Rich people trust their wealth to protect them. They think it is like the high walls of a city.

12 Proud people will be ruined, but the humble will be honored.

13 Anyone who answers without listening is foolish and confused.

14 The will to live can get you through sickness, but no one can live with a broken spirit.

15 The mind of a person with understanding gets knowledge; the wise person listens to learn more.

16 Taking a gift to an important man will help get you in to see him.

17 The person who tells one side of a story seems right, until someone else comes and asks questions.

18 Throwing lots can settle arguments and keep the two sides from fighting.

19 A brother who has been insulted is harder to win back than a walled city, and arguments separate people like the barred gates of a palace.

20 People will be rewarded for what they say; they will be rewarded by how they speak.

21 What you say can mean life or death. Those who speak with care will be rewarded.

22 When a man finds a wife, he finds something good. It shows that the Lord is pleased with him.

23 The poor beg for mercy, but the rich give rude answers.

24 Some friends may ruin you, but a real friend will be more loyal 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 ) .