Pearls From Proverbs – Chapter Eighteen
We will now look at Proverbs chapter eighteen:
Contrast the Upright and the Wicked
1 He who separates himself seeks his own desire, He quarrels against all sound wisdom. Proverbs 18:1 (NASB)
We were made to be social creators. There are times when we should seek isolation – but to only listen to your own advice is not wise. We can talk ourselves into most anything. The Bible tells us:
“Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 (NASB)
2 A fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own mind. Proverbs 18:2 (NASB)
Each of us has an opinion but it is better to seek understanding than anything else.
3 When a wicked man comes, contempt also comes, And with dishonor comes scorn. Proverbs 18:3 (NASB)
Wicked people bring contempt with them. Those who practice evil bring on criticism and scorn.
4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. Proverbs 18:4 (NASB)
The words of a person’s mouth reveal their soul. It is deep water. Wisdom is fresh water – like a babbling brook.
5 To show partiality to the wicked is not good, Nor to thrust aside the righteous in judgment. Proverbs 18:5 (NASB)
Two things are not good:
1. To side with the wicked
2. To stand against the righteous
6 A fool's lips bring strife, And his mouth calls for blows. Proverbs 18:6 (NASB)
The words of a fool bring on arguments.
7 A fool's mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul. Proverbs 18:7 (NASB)
We will be judged by what we say. For a fool it will be their ruin. The Bible says:
"But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." Matthew 12:36-37 (NASB)
8 The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body. Proverbs 18:8 (NASB)
It is as hard to refuse to listen to rumors and gossip as it is to turn down a delicious dessert. Taking just one morsel of either one creates a taste for more. You can resist rumors the same way a determined dieter resists candy—never even open the box. If you don't nibble on the first bite of gossip, you can't take the second and the third.
9 He also who is slack in his work Is brother to him who destroys. Proverbs 18:9 (NASB)
Believers ought to have a very strong work ethic. “An honest day’s work for an honest day’s wage” – ought to be our motto.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10 (NASB)
Our God is a strong tower. In Him alone can we find true security.
11 A rich man's wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own imagination. Proverbs 18:11 (NASB)
In imagining that their wealth is their strongest defense – rich people are sadly mistaken. Money cannot provide safety – there are too many ways for it to lose its power. The government may cease to back it; thieves may steal it; inflation may rob it of all value. But God never loses his power. He is always dependable. Where do you look for security and safety?
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, But humility goes before honor. Proverbs 18:12 (NASB)
Pride will lead to destruction. With humility comes honor.
13 He who gives an answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him. Proverbs 18:13 (NASB)
I remember a meeting that I attended where I was asked a question. The problem is that I thought that I had to come up with such a wise answer that I did not listen to the question. I gave some stupid answer and then I was called on it. The second round began and I did the same thing. How stupid could I be – but I did it. I am still ashamed of it.
14 The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, But as for a broken spirit who can bear it? Proverbs 18:14 (NASB)
Resiliency has to do with attitude. If a person’s spirit is strong they can withstand much. But a broken spirit will fall at the slightest sign of trouble.
15 The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. Proverbs 18:15 (NASB)
Here are three basic principles for making sound decisions:
1. Get the facts before answering
2. Be open to new ideas
3. Make sure you hear both sides of a story before judging
All three principles center around seeking additional information (being prudent). This is difficult work, but it is the only way we will not be prejudice (judging before getting the facts).
16 A man's gift makes room for him And brings him before great men. Proverbs 18:16 (NASB)
To bring a precious gift to a host – gets their attention. What can we bring before God that He does not already have? Can we bring silver or gold? Can we bring rubies or diamonds? All of this He has already created in abundance. What we can bring before Him is – our heart.
17 The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him. Proverbs 18:17 (NASB)
Don’t always believe the first things you hear. Listen carefully. Then listen to what others have to say about it.
18 The cast lot puts an end to strife And decides between the mighty ones. Proverbs 18:18 (NASB)
Once a decision is made by those in authority – don’t argue about it – support it – even if you don’t always agree with it.
19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a citadel. Proverbs 18:19 (NASB)
Once a person has been offended it is hard to win them to your side.
20 With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be satisfied; He will be satisfied with the product of his lips. Proverbs 18:20 (NASB)
Be careful what you speak – for you may have to eat your words. In fact this verse says that what we speak will come back to us.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 (NASB)
A person must – for good or evil – take the consequence of his words – as well as their deeds.
22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing And obtains favor from the Lord. Proverbs 18:22 (NASB)
This verse is stating that marriage should be enjoyed and viewed as a great gift from God. God created marriage for our enjoyment, and he pronounced it good. Married people need to see their marriages as great treasures—guarding and protecting them as such. This is one of many passages in the Bible that show marriage as a joyful and good creation of God. Note: nowhere in the Bible will you find that marriage is between two men or two women – this is a great debate in our country right now. But the fact is – God condemns such acts. (Romans 1:24-32)
23 The poor man utters supplications, But the rich man answers roughly. Proverbs 18:23 (NASB)
This verse does not condone insulting the poor; it is simply recording an unfortunate fact of life. It is wrong for rich people to treat the less fortunate with contempt and arrogance, and God will judge such actions severely (Proverbs 14:31).
24 A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 (NASB)
Loneliness is everywhere — many people feel cut off and alienated from others. At times being in a crowd just makes people more aware of their isolation. We all need friends who will stick close, listen, care, and offer help when it is needed — in good times and bad. It is better to have one such friend than dozens of superficial acquaintances. Instead of wishing you could find a true friend, seek to become one. If you look around, you'll find people who need your friendship. Ask God to reveal them to you, and then take on the challenge of being a true friend.
