#oldtestament #proverbs #proverbs18 # Proverbs 18 > [!info] Table of Contents > [[#📜 Scripture Text]] [[#📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary]] [[#🧠 Chapter Summary]] [[#🔎 Key Observations / 🛟 Life Application]] [[#✍️ Key Verses to Remember]] [[#🔗 Related Passages]] [[#🙏 Devotional Reflection]] >[[Proverbs Overview]] --- ## 📜 Scripture Text 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. 13 Spouting off before listening to the facts     is both shameful and foolish. 14 The human spirit can endure a sick body,     but who can bear a crushed spirit? 15 Intelligent people are always ready to learn.     Their ears are open for knowledge. 16 Giving a gift can open doors;     it gives access to important people! 17 The first to speak in court sounds right—     until the cross-examination begins. 18 Flipping a coin can end arguments;     it settles disputes between powerful opponents. 19 An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city.     Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars. 20 Wise words satisfy like a good meal;     the right words bring satisfaction. 21 The tongue can bring death or life;     those who love to talk will reap the consequences. 22 The man who finds a wife finds a treasure,     and he receives favor from the Lord. 23 The poor plead for mercy;     the rich answer with insults. 24 There are “friends” who destroy each other,     but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. --- ## 📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary Each verse is important. --- ## 🤔 Interesting Facts - Verse 21—“Life and death are in the power of the tongue”—highlights the immense influence of words. - The famous phrase “A man who has friends must show himself friendly” (v. 24) underscores relational responsibility. - This chapter contrasts isolation and community, showing that wisdom is cultivated in relationship. - Verse 10—“The name of the Lord is a strong tower”—is often quoted as a verse of comfort and refuge. - Proverbs 18 bridges moral instruction with emotional and spiritual health, especially through speech and humility. --- ## 🧠 Chapter Summary **Main Teaching**: Proverbs 18 stresses the power of words, the importance of listening before speaking, and the contrast between wise and foolish behavior. It teaches that a person’s speech can bring life or death and that humility and discernment are vital to relationships. **How It Fits in Proverbs**: This chapter continues to develop the theme that wisdom is not only about knowledge, but about how we treat others, especially through our words and judgments. It adds relational depth to the practical wisdom of the book. **Apologetic Insight**: Proverbs 18 highlights personal responsibility in communication, countering modern excuses for careless or divisive speech. It also supports the biblical teaching that words have moral weight and eternal significance, not just social consequence. --- ## 🔎 Key Observations / 🛟 Life Application - 📌 Words have the power to bring life or death. - 📌 Listening before speaking is a sign of wisdom. - 📌 A good relationship can be a strong refuge. #### Today, I can apply this chapter by: - ✅ Use today to listen more than you speak—practice being a good listener. - ✅ Speak life into someone with encouragement or affirmation. - ✅ Think before you speak, especially when you’re frustrated or tired. - ✅ Use your words to protect and not wound others. - ✅ Take ownership of your mistakes instead of blaming others. --- ## ✍️ Key Verses to Remember **📖 Proverbs 18:10** “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” - **Why it matters**: God is a reliable refuge in every circumstance. This verse invites believers to find their safety and security in His presence. --- ## 🔗 Related Passages - 🔗 James 3:5–6 – “The tongue is a small part of the body… but it makes great boasts.” - 🔗 Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” - 🔗 John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” --- ## 🙏 Devotional Reflection Write 3–6 sentences reflecting on: - How this chapter encourages your faith, - Convicts your heart, - Reveals God's character. Optional format: "In light of this chapter, I am challenged to..." or "I am comforted by..." --- ## 📂 Tags