181 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.

2 A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart.

3 When the wicked comes, contempt comes also; And with dishonor comes reproach.

4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.

5 It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, Or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

6 A fool's lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows. 7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.

8 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.

9 He who is slothful in his work Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.

10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.

11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own esteem.

12 Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility.

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.