Proverbs

Chapter 18

The Selfishness of the Unfriendly

Proverbs 18 contrasts self-absorbed isolation, foolish speech, and proud self-security with discerning listening, just judgment, prudent silence, and refuge in the name of the LORD. The chapter gives special attention to the power of words, the difference between apparent and actual security, and the relational wisdom required for friendship, reconciliation, and public justice.

As the eighteenth chapter of Proverbs, this passage continues Solomon's proverb collection with a concentrated focus on speech, hearing, contention, and trust. It teaches that wisdom does not rush to self-expression or self-protection but seeks understanding, waits to hear both sides, weighs words carefully, and learns where true strength and durable companionship are actually found.

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Proverbs 18

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vv. 1-24

The Selfishness of the Unfriendly

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H¹e who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; ²A fool does not delight in understanding, ³With a wicked man comes contempt as well, ⁴The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; ⁵Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, ⁶A fool’s lips bring him strife, ⁷A fool’s mouth is his ruin, ⁸The words of a gossip are like choice morsels

⁹Whoever is slothful in his work ¹⁰The name of the LORD is a strong tower; ¹¹A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; ¹²Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, ¹³He who answers a matter before he hears it— ¹⁴The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, ¹⁵The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, ¹⁶A man’s gift opens doors for him,

¹⁷The first to state his case seems right ¹⁸Casting the lot ends quarrels ¹⁹An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, ²⁰From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; ²¹Life and death are in the power of the tongue,

²²He who finds a wife finds a good thing ²³The poor man pleads for mercy, ²⁴A man of many companions may come to ruin,

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Each section keeps the passage focused, adds summaries and cross references, and gives verse-level links.

01vv. 1-24The Selfishness of the UnfriendlyThe chapter gathers sayings about selfish isolation, foolish talk, contempt, gossip, sloth, divine refuge, false security, pride, careful hearing, gifts, litigation, offended relationships, the fruit of speech, marriage, mercy, and friendship. Together they show that wisdom is deeply social and disciplined: it listens before speaking, labors instead of decaying, seeks justice without favoritism, and learns to value God-given refuge and loyal companionship over noise and appearances.