Proverbs 18:1-12
181 Loners who care only for themselves spit on the common good.
2 Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse; all they do is run off at the mouth.
3 When wickedness arrives, shame's not far behind; contempt for life is contemptible.
4 Many words rush along like rivers in flood, but deep wisdom flows up from artesian springs.
5 It's not right to go easy on the guilty, or come down hard on the innocent.
6 The words of a fool start fights; do him a favor and gag him. 7 Fools are undone by their big mouths; their souls are crushed by their words.
8 Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you really want junk like that in your belly?
9 Slack habits and sloppy work are as bad as vandalism.
10 God's name is a place of protection - good people can run there and be safe.
11 The rich think their wealth protects them; they imagine themselves safe behind it.
12 Pride first, then the crash, but humility is precursor to honor.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 18:1-12
Commentary on Proverbs 18:1
(Read Proverbs 18:1)
If we would get knowledge and grace, we must try all methods of improving ourselves.
Commentary on Proverbs 18:2
(Read Proverbs 18:2)
Those make nothing to purpose, of learning or religion, whose only design is to have something to make a show with.
Commentary on Proverbs 18:3
(Read Proverbs 18:3)
As soon as sin entered, shame followed.
Commentary on Proverbs 18:4
(Read Proverbs 18:4)
The well-spring of wisdom in the heart of a believer, continually supplies words of wisdom.
Commentary on Proverbs 18:5
(Read Proverbs 18:5)
The merits of a cause must be looked to, not the person.
Commentary on Proverbs 18:6-7
(Read Proverbs 18:6-7)
What mischief bad men do to themselves by their ungoverned tongues!
Commentary on Proverbs 18:8
(Read Proverbs 18:8)
How base are those that sow contention! and what fatal effects may be expected from small beginnings of jealousy!
Commentary on Proverbs 18:9
(Read Proverbs 18:9)
Omissions of duty, and in duty, are fatal to the soul, as well as commissions of sin.
Commentary on Proverbs 18:10-11
(Read Proverbs 18:10-11)
The Divine power, made known in and through our Lord Jesus Christ, forms a strong tower for the believer, who relies on the Lord. How deceitful the defence of the rich man, who has his portion and treasure in this world! It is a strong city and a high wall only in his own conceit; for it will fail when most in need. They will be exposed to the just wrath of that Judge whom they despised as a Saviour.
Commentary on Proverbs 18:12
(Read Proverbs 18:12)
After the heart has been lifted up with pride, a fall comes. But honour shall be the reward of humility.