Proverbs 18:1-12
181 An unfriendly man pursues selfishness,
and defies all sound judgment.
2 A fool has no delight in understanding,
but only in revealing his own opinion.
3 When wickedness comes, contempt also comes,
and with shame comes disgrace.
4 The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters.
The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.
5 To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good,
nor to deprive the innocent of justice.
6 A fool’s lips come into strife,
and his mouth invites beatings. 7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction,
and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels:
they go down into a person’s innermost parts.
9 One who is slack in his work
is brother to him who is a master of destruction.
10 The name of Yahweh is a strong tower:
the righteous run to him, and are safe.
11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
like an unscalable wall in his own imagination.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is proud,
but 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.