Proverbs 18

18   Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire;
    he breaks out against all sound judgment.
  A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,
    but only in expressing his opinion.
  When wickedness comes, contempt comes also,
    and with dishonor comes disgrace.
  The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;
    the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
  It is not good to be partial to the wicked
    or to deprive the righteous of justice.
  A fool’s lips walk into a fight,
    and his mouth invites a beating.
  A fool’s mouth is his ruin,
    and his lips are a snare to his soul.
  The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
    they go down into the inner parts of the body.
  Whoever is slack in his work
    is a brother to him who destroys.
  The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
    the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
  A rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
    and like a high wall in his imagination.
  Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty,
    but humility comes before honor.
  If one gives an answer before he hears,
    it is his folly and shame.
  A man’s spirit will endure sickness,
    but a crushed spirit who can bear?
  An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,
    and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
  A man’s gift makes room for him
    and brings him before the great.
  The one who states his case first seems right,
    until the other comes and examines him.
  The lot puts an end to quarrels
    and decides between powerful contenders.
  A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city,
    and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.
  From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied;
    he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
  Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
    and those who love it will eat its fruits.
  He who finds a wife finds a good thing
    and obtains favor from the LORD.
  The poor use entreaties,
    but the rich answer roughly.
  A man of many companions may come to ruin,
    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

(ESV)

Proverbs 18 Commentary

by Brad Boyles

Communication is essential for life, and it’s a big part of how we reach the world as Christians. A lot of times you hear the phrase, “It’s not what you say, but how you say it.” As I read Proverbs 18, I can’t help but think that many times our communication practices are riddled with dysfunction.

“A fool does not delight in understanding, but only wants to show off his opinions.”

Proverbs 18:2 HCSB 

“A fool’s lips lead to strife, and his mouth provokes a beating.  7  A fool’s mouth is his devastation, and his lips are a trap for his life.”

Proverbs 18:6-7 HCSB 

I stumbled upon great quote this week from Preston Sprinkle (professor of biblical studies at Eternity Bible College). He was responding to a woman who critically reviewed his book. He said this…

“She doesn’t reflect on my journey, only disagrees with my destination, and never mentions how I arrived there.”

Preston Sprinkle

Words matter. Tone matters. Yes, everyone has a “right” to their opinion. But in the family of God, there are standards. Foolish people do not want to listen or understand. They only want to talk. And I would argue that there are many people within God’s Kingdom who use their words foolishly.

“We find again that the fool is a source of trouble. He is the one who is always stirring up contention, issuing complaints, finding fault. We can give another fitting modern proverb: “Be considerate. Most people know how to express a complaint, but few utter a gracious compliment. The bee is seldom complimented for making honey; it is just criticized for stinging.” How true!”

J. Vernon McGee