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Proverbs 18

World English Bible

WEB

1A man who isolates himself pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment. 2A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion. 3When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and with shame comes disgrace. 4The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook. 5To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, nor to deprive the innocent of justice. 6A fool’s lips come into strife, and his mouth invites beatings. 7A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are a snare to his soul. 8The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: they go down into a person’s innermost parts. 9One who is slack in his work is brother to him who is a master of destruction. 10Yahweh’s name is a strong tower: the righteous run to him, and are safe. 11The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, like an unscalable wall in his own imagination. 12Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility. 13He who answers before he hears, that is folly and shame to him. 14A man’s spirit will sustain him in sickness, but a crushed spirit, who can bear? 15The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 16A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. 17He who pleads his cause first seems right— until another comes and questions him. 18The lot settles disputes, and keeps strong ones apart. 19A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city. Disputes are like the bars of a fortress. 20A man’s stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth. With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied. 21Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit. 22Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of Yahweh. 23The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly. 24A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Proverbs Chapter 18 presents a series of wise sayings that emphasize the importance of speech, relationships, and the pursuit of wisdom. The chapter begins by highlighting the dangers of isolation, stating that a person who isolates themselves seeks their own desires and shows contempt for sound judgment (Proverbs18:1). This sets the stage for the importance of community and the value of listening to others. The chapter also warns against the power of the tongue, illustrating how words can bring life or death (Proverbs18:21). This serves as a reminder for believers to be mindful of their speech and to use it to build others up rather than tear them down.

Additionally, the chapter discusses the significance of a good name and the favor it brings (Proverbs18:22). It emphasizes that finding a wife is a good thing, as it is a blessing from the Lord. The chapter concludes with the idea that a person's wealth and status do not guarantee true friendship or support, but rather, it is the quality of relationships that truly matters (Proverbs18:24). Overall, Proverbs 18 encourages us to seek wisdom, value our relationships, and be cautious with our words, reminding us that our choices have lasting impacts on our lives and the lives of those around us.

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Referenced by

  1. Genesis 33:11v16Jacob insists Esau accept his gift, which is reminiscent of Proverbs 18:16, where a gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great. This highlights the role of gifts in facilitating reconciliation and favor.
  2. Psalms 9:10v10Psalm 9:10 highlights trust in God's name, similar to Proverbs 18:10, which describes the name of the Lord as a strong tower for the righteous.
  3. Psalms 11:1v10Psalm 11:1 speaks of taking refuge in the Lord, which is echoed in Proverbs 18:10 where the name of the Lord is described as a strong tower providing safety.
  4. Psalms 61:3v10Psalm 61:3 describes God as a strong tower against the enemy. Proverbs 18:10 echoes this imagery, stating that the name of the Lord is a strong tower, where the righteous find safety.

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