181 Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense.

2 Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.

3 Doing wrong leads to disgrace, and scandalous behavior brings contempt.

4 Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.

5 It is not right to acquit the guilty or deny justice to the innocent.

6 Fools' words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating. 7 The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.

8 Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one's heart.

9 A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.

10 The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.

11 The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.

12 Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes 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.