Christian Universe ™
Home | Christian Resources | Christian Links | Links | Site Map
A Study of Proverbs 18
September 02, 2007
One of our members requested a study of Proverbs. The eighteenth chapter repeats some points already made and introduces new ones. Fools proclaim their foolishness. The rich are arrogant. The wicked invite contempt. Be swift to hear but slow to speak. Do not offend your brother.
Bernie Parsons
Proverbs Chapter 18
by Bernie Parsons
Presented to the Load church of Christ 09-02-2007
Proverbs 18:1: “Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.”
A man who stands alone and apart to fulfill his own desires isn’t using his head.
Proverbs 18:2: “A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. “
A fool doesn’t care about what others can share with him, but only wants to share his own thoughts.
Proverbs 18:3: “When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.”
Wicked people attract contempt, and with disgrace comes disapproval and rebuke.
Proverbs 18:4: “The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.”
Words wisely spoken are like deep waters, while ample wisdom is like a fresh stream.
Proverbs 18:5: “It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.”
It is not right to show partiality to the wicked, and in doing so, to prevent the righteous from receiving justice.
Proverbs 18:6: “A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
7: A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.”
A fool’s words invite a fight, and what he says may bring a beating. His mouth can lead to his destruction, and endanger his life.
Proverbs 18:8: “The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.”
A talebearer’s words serve to wound, cutting a person to the core.
Proverbs 18:9: “He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.”
A lazy person is brother to one who wastes a lot.
Proverbs 18:10: “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”
The name of the Lord is a strong tower where the righteous take refuge and find safety.
Proverbs 18:11: “The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.”
A rich man counts on his wealth to protect him, and imagines it to be a high wall of protection.
Proverbs 18:12: “Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.”
Arrogance precedes a man’s ruin, and humility precedes honor.
Proverbs 18:13: “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”
James 1:19: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”
If you give your answer before hearing the details, you are foolish and shameful.
Proverbs 18:14: “The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?”
A person with a strong spirit can deal with his weaknesses, but when a person’s spirit is weak and wounded, it is hard to endure when confronted with other problems.
Proverbs 18:15: “The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.”
A wise person seeks and accepts knowledge.
Proverbs 18:16: “A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.”
A gift can open doors and gain an audience before important men.
Proverbs 18:17: “He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.”
In a case of judgment, the first man to present his case seems justified, but when the other party puts forth his side of the argument, that can change the perception.
Proverbs 18:18: “The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.”
Casting lost settles arguments and separates mighty contenders.
Proverbs 18:19: “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.”
Trying to regain an offended brother is harder than taking a strong city—the disagreements become like the bars of a castle in separating the two.
Proverbs 18:20: “A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
21: Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
A man’s speaking ability provides his living. What a man says can determine whether he lives or dies. Choose your speech carefully, for what you say can provide what you need.
Proverbs 18:22: “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.”
Genesis 2:18: “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”
When a man finds a wife, it is good, and God approves.
Proverbs 18:23: “The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.”
A poor man pleads while the rich give rough answers. The poor man is humble, knowing that he needs assistance of others, while the rich are arrogant because of their wealth.
Proverbs 18:24: “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”
A man who has many friends has to be on his guard with them. However, a man can have a friend who stands with him closer than a brother will.
