Proverbs18
King James Version · Public Domain
1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
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.
8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
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.
22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.
23 The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh 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