Proverbs18
New American Standard
1 One who separates himself seeks his own desire; He quarrels against all sound wisdom.
2 A fool does not delight in understanding, But in revealing his own mind.
3 When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes, And with dishonor comes taunting.
4 The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5 To show partiality to the wicked is not good, Nor to suppress the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool’s lips bring strife, And his mouth invites beatings.
7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a gossiper are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
9 He also who is lax in his work Is a brother to him who destroys.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe.
11 A rich person’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own imagination.
12 Before destruction the heart of a person is haughty, But humility goes before honor.
13 One who gives an answer before he hears, It is foolishness and shame to him.
14 The spirit of a person can endure his sickness, But as for a broken spirit, who can endure it?
15 The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A person’s gift makes room for him And brings him before great people.
17 The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him.
18 The cast lot puts an end to quarrels, And decides between the mighty ones.
19 A brother who is offended is harder to be won than a strong city, And quarrels are like the bars of a citadel.
20 With the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; He will be satisfied with the product of his lips.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing And obtains favor from the Lord.
23 A poor person utters pleadings, But a rich person answers defiantly.
24 A person of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Study
Proverbs 18Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Proverbs 18. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.
v1
If we would get knowledge and grace, we must try all methods of improving ourselves.
v2
Those make nothing to purpose, of learning or religion, whose only design is to have something to make a show with.
v3
As soon as sin entered, shame followed.
Key Words
פָּרַד: to break through, i.e. spread or separate (oneself)
בָּקַשׁ: to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
תַּאֲוָה: a longing; by implication, a delight (subjectively, satisfaction, objectively, a charm)
גָּלַע: to be obstinate
כֹּל: properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
תּוּשִׁיָּה: support or (by implication) ability, i.e. (direct) help, (in purpose) an undertaking, (intellectual) understanding
כְּסִיל: properly, fat, i.e. (figuratively) stupid or silly
לֹא: not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
חָפֵץ: properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
תָּבוּן: intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice
Cross References
Proverbs 18Direct parallel contrasting the rich man's wealth with the true security of the Lord's name.
Supported by JFB
Direct textual parallel stating that humility goes before honor.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Parallels finding a wife as a prudent gift and favor from the Lord.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Jesus as the ultimate Friend who sticketh closer than a brother.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Direct thematic connection on the foolish beginning and rushing into contention.
Supported by JFB
Contrasts the fool's lack of heart/delight for wisdom with external shows.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallels the piercing wounds of a talebearer's rash words.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallels the character of a whisperer/talebearer who separates chief friends.
Supported by JFB
Echoes the imagery of the Lord as a strong tower, fortress, and high tower.
Supported by JFB
Parallel structure matching pride/haughtiness with impending destruction and fall.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Exposes the proud singular person's tendency to meddle and contend.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Echoes the injustice of punishing the just or overthrowing the righteous.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Condemns accepting the persons of the wicked in judgment.
Supported by JFB
Parallels the practice and social power of giving gifts to influence others.
Supported by JFB
Parallels being satisfied with the fruit of one's mouth.
Supported by JFB