Proverbs 18
About ProverbsWritten by AI
Proverbs is a book of wisdom: short, memorable sayings about how to live well in God's world. Most of it is credited to Solomon, Israel's king around 950 BC, but it also gathers sayings from other wise teachers, from Agur and King Lemuel, and a collection copied out by the men of King Hezekiah some two centuries later (25:1).
Chapters 1 to 9 are longer talks, framed as a parent teaching a child, with Wisdom pictured as a woman calling out in the streets. From chapter 10 on, the book turns into collections of separate one or two line sayings. It closes with a poem in praise of a capable, God fearing woman.
The key line comes early: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” Watch for the two paths, wise and foolish, and for the many sayings about speech, work, money and friendship. Remember that proverbs describe how life usually goes. They are wise patterns, not promises that every good choice is rewarded at once.
Before you read Proverbs 18Written by AI
More separate sayings. Several warn about speaking before listening, and about the power of the tongue, since life and death are in it. Notice the image of the LORD's name as a strong tower. The chapter ends with a friend who stays closer than a brother.
The Selfishness of the Unfriendly
He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires;
he rebels against all sound judgment.
A fool does not delight in understanding,
but only in airing his opinions.
With a wicked man comes contempt as well,
and shame is accompanied by disgrace.
The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;
the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
Showing partiality to the wicked is not good,
nor is depriving the innocent of justice.
A fool’s lips bring him strife,
and his mouth invites a beating.
A fool’s mouth is his ruin,
and his lips are a snare to his soul.
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels
that go down into the inmost being.
Whoever is slothful in his work
is brother to him who destroys.
The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.
A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city;
it is like a high wall in his imagination.
Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud,
but humility comes before honor.
He who answers a matter before he hears it—
this is folly and disgrace to him.
The spirit of a man can endure his sickness,
but who can survive a broken spirit?
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks it out.
A man’s gift opens doors for him,
and brings him before great men.
The first to state his case seems right
until another comes and cross-examines him.
Casting the lot ends quarrels
and separates strong opponents.
An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city,
and disputes are like the bars of a castle.
From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled;
with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.
Life and death 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 pleads for mercy,
but the rich man answers harshly.
A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.