Proverbs 18 King James Version

Proverbs 18 - King James Version

1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeks and intermeddles with all wisdom.

2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

Like the mottos of today, we are told we have to discover ourselves and our true identity. Much of our modern way of thinking is founded upon false assumptions and principles. Instead of finding God's will for our lives, we seek to establish our own wills and desires.

3 When the wicked comes, then comes also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for strokes.

7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

8 The words of a talebearer (or gossip) are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runs into it, and is safe.

Here's a key verse and truth. The name of the Lord is a strong tower. We can call upon it and find safety and salvation. "For this is none other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved," Acts 4:12. "That at the name of Jesus of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father," Philippians 2:10-11. "Whatsoever things you ask the Father in My name, I will do it," John 14:13.

11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

The rich man believes his wealth will save him. But his wealth ends up ministering to his pride, and as the next verse show, pride leads to destruction.

12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

13 He that answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame unto him.

14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

If we are encouraged, we can face any problem and difficulty with faith that God will see us through the storm out to victory. But if we are discouraged, we're defeated already. Fight discouragement and fight for joy. The joy of the Lord is your strength.

15 The heart of the prudent gets knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16 A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.

Your talents and abilities will make a place for you wherever you are. Develop those God given talents and God will use you to your greatest capacity.

17 He that is first in his own cause seems just; but his neighbour comes and searches him.

18 The lot causes contentions to cease, and parts between the mighty.

19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

Try not to offend others. The wounds we cause others may be hard for them to recuperate from. 

20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.

God wants you to share His love and truth with others. That's where real happiness comes from, from opening our mouths and sharing the truth and love of God with our neighbour in need. Don't hide God within your heart. Give him away to others and you'll find the happiness that you seek. Alcohol or food satisfy only for a moment. Sharing the truth God has put within your heart with others is the key to fulfilment and satisfaction. 

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Watch those words, they are real things. If you need help in this area, read and study James chapter 3.

22 Whoso finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favour of the Lord.

And try to find a wife that loves and obeys the Lord. If she doesn't she may pull you away to serve the gods she is serving. Be the man in the family and with your loving sample and words lead her to Christ.

23 The poor uses entreaties; but the rich answers roughly.

24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

Jesus is the friend of sinners and sticks closer than a brother. Get attached or connected to Jesus and ypu will be more than an overcomer.