Proverbs 18
Lutheran reading notes
In Proverbs chapter 18, the wisdom literature continues to explore wisdom for righteous living and reverence for God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.
1
Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh {and} intermeddleth with all wisdom. {Through...: or, He that separateth himself seeketh according to his desire, and intermeddleth in every business}
Proverbs 18:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2
A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
Proverbs 18:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3
When the wicked cometh, {then} cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
Proverbs 18:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4
The words of a man's mouth {are as} deep waters, {and} the wellspring of wisdom {as} a flowing brook.
Proverbs 18:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5
{It is} not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
Proverbs 18:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6
A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
Proverbs 18:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7
A fool's mouth {is} his destruction, and his lips {are} the snare of his soul.
Proverbs 18:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8
The words of a talebearer {are} as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. {talebearer: or, whisperer} {as wounds: or, like as when men are wounded} {most...: Heb. chambers}
Proverbs 18:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9
He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
Proverbs 18:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10
The name of the LORD {is} a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. {safe: Heb. set aloft}
Proverbs 18:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11
The rich man's wealth {is} his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
Proverbs 18:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12
Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour {is} humility.
Proverbs 18:12 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13
He that answereth a matter before he heareth {it}, it {is} folly and shame unto him. {answereth...: Heb. returneth a word}
Proverbs 18:13 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14
The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
Proverbs 18:14 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
15
The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
Proverbs 18:15 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
16
A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
Proverbs 18:16 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
17
{He that is} first in his own cause {seemeth} just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
Proverbs 18:17 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
18
The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
Proverbs 18:18 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
19
A brother offended {is harder to be won} than a strong city: and {their} contentions {are} like the bars of a castle.
Proverbs 18:19 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
Proverbs 18:20 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
21
Death and life {are} in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Proverbs 18:21 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
22
{Whoso} findeth a wife findeth a good {thing}, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
Proverbs 18:22 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
23
The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
Proverbs 18:23 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
24
A man {that hath} friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend {that} sticketh closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.