Chapter 18

Proverbs, Chapter 18

A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment. (Ignorant people run from wise people. They don't want to hear them.)

A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart. (Some just want to be heard no matter who they hurt in the process, and they don't care if they are right or wrong.)

When the wicked comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonor comes reproach.

The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.

It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, or to overthrow righteous in judgment.

A fool's lips enter contention, and his mouth calls for blows.
A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
The words of the talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body. (Words can eat you alive!)

He who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Let's camp out here for a second. In ancient cities, the safest, strongest, and securest place was in the tall tower in the middle of the city. The ruler and elite were usually hanging out in these towers. There were soldiers on guard in every direction to alert the town when enemies and trouble were coming. God is indeed our "strong tower." The safest place to be is under His protection. You must trust that everything that comes to you is filtered through His hands and is for your good. He knows what is coming from any direction. Yes, bad things happen, but you must trust that nothing happens to you that isn't for your good and for His glory, even though you may not see the end of the matter until you cross into Heaven.

The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own esteem.

Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility.

He who answers a matter before he hears, it is folly and shame to him. (Think before you speak.)

The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear a broken heart? (Remember Chapter 17, Verse 22)

The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

A man's gifts makes room for him, and brings him before great men.

The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him. (Have you ever been the first to say, "I didn't do it!" even though you know you did? Ummm hmmmm. Yep. 'Til momma came, huh? She knew better.)

Casting lots causes contentions to cease, and keeps the mighty apart.

A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a castle. (It is so very hard to undo wrong.)

A man's stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; from the produce of his lips he shall be filled. (Some like to hear their own voice yet they are empty words. When a wise man speaks, he is still full.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.

The poor man uses entreaties, but the rich answers roughly.

A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (We all have "buddies." But when tough times come, you "find out who your friends are."