Proverbs 18
-Solomon continues with words of wisdom in the area of fellowship. The person who separates himself seeks his/her own desires and quarrels against all sound wisdom. Fools don’t delight in understanding; they only like to reveal their own mind in selfish ambition. Along with a wicked man comes contempt, and along with dishonor comes scorn. Deep waters are the wise words of a man’s mouth, and the fountain of wisdom is a babbling brook. To show favoritism to the wicked is never good, nor is it right to thrust aside the righteous in judgment. A fool’s lips tend to bring strife, and his/her mouth causes fights and violence. A fool’s mouth is leads to ruin as his/her lips are a snare to their soul. Whispering is a dainty morsel of words going down into the innermost parts of the body (Proverbs 18:1-8).
-The one who is slack in work is brother to him who destroys. “The Name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” A rich person’s wealth is his strong city. It is like a high wall in his own imagination. Only true blessing, safety, and security come from the LORD. Destruction comes after a haughty heart, but humility goes before honor. The one giving an answer before he/she hears a matter makes things a folly and shames them. The spirit of the strong can endure sickness, but as for a broken spirit, who can bear that? The mind of the prudent simply acquires knowledge, and the wise always listen well seeking more and more knowledge. A person’s gift makes room for him/her and brings them before great men. When in a case, the first to speak seems right until another comes along to examine him/her. Casting lots can have a way of ending strife and deciding between the mightiest ones. “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a citadel.” The fruit and product of a man’s lips will satisfy him in his stomach. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” The man who finds a wife finds a good thing in the sight of God and obtains His favor. The poor man is humble and makes supplications, while the rich man tends to answer roughly and abrasively. “A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:9-24).”
-*Application* Our relationship with the LORD takes center stage in several of these vital verses of Scripture. He is our strong tower and place of rest for safety and security from sin and this wicked world. He is our Friend who sticks closer than a brother. Further, relational matters with other people are discussed here and worth considering with great meditation. In addition, the humble spirit is exalted and watching what we say is so important.
Verses to Memorize: Proverbs 18:1, 5, 10, 12, 21-22, 24
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