Proverbs Eighteen

by Dr. Henry M. Morris

(taken from the Defender's Study Bible)

Proverbs 18:1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

Proverbs 18:2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

Proverbs 18:3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

Proverbs 18:4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

Proverbs 18:5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

Proverbs 18:6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

Proverbs 18:7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

Proverbs 18:8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

Proverbs 18:9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

strong tower. The Lord is often symbolized by a strong tower of refuge and safety (Psalm 18:2; 61:3; 144:2).

runneth into it. One should run to the Lord, not hesitate. It is interesting to note those who are said to have run to Christ: (1) the demon-possessed man seeking deliverance (Mark 5:6); (2) the young man seeking eternal life (Mark 10:17); (3) the unhappy wealthy man (Luke 19:4); (4) the concerned observer at the cross (Mark 15:36); (5) John and Peter on hearing of the opened tomb (John 20:4, 8).

Proverbs 18:11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

Proverbs 18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

Proverbs 18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

Proverbs 18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

Proverbs 18:16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

Proverbs 18:17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

Proverbs 18:18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

The lot. The casting of lots to make decisions is mentioned often in Scripture, and always in a positive sense (Esther 3:7; Proverbs 16:33; Acts 1:26; etc.).

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.

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.

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Proverbs 18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

findeth a wife. “It is not good that a man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18). In an age when monogamous marriage between a man and woman for life is increasingly being rejected, it is important for believers to take a strong and persistent stand on this vital truth.

Proverbs 18:23 The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.