(Prov 18:1 NASB) He who separates himself seeks his own desire, He quarrels against all sound wisdom.
Prov 18:1: This appears to be a warning against reclusive behavior.
(Prov 18:2 NASB) A fool does not delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own mind.
Prov 18:2: A fool is not interested in learning, only in giving his opinion.
(Prov 18:3 NASB) When a wicked man comes, contempt also comes, And with dishonor comes reproach.
Prov 18:3: Those that are wicked and dishonorable bring contempt and reproach.
(Prov 18:4 NASB) The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
Prov 18:4: Sometimes the meaning of a man’s words can be deep, obscure, and hidden. This is likely a reference to prophecy. But the fountain of wisdom (Torah) is very clear and accessible.
(Prov 18:5 NASB) To show partiality to the wicked is not good, Nor to thrust aside the righteous in judgment.
Prov 18:5: There must be no partiality in judgment under any circumstances (Lev. 19:15, Deut. 1:16-17, 16:19-20).
(Prov 18:6 NASB) A fool’s lips bring strife, And his mouth calls for blows.
(Prov 18:7 NASB) A fool’s mouth is his ruin, And his lips are the snare of his soul.
(Prov 18:8 NASB) The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
Prov 18:8: The words of a fool bring strife and are a ruin. The words of a whisperer are the words of a gossiper. When we gossip, it tends to run deep into our soul.
(Prov 18:9 NASB) He also who is slack in his work Is brother to him who destroys.
Prov 18:9: Solomon again warns against laziness.
(Prov 18:10 NASB) The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe.
Prov 18:10: The name of the Father is strong and powerful (Jer. 23:6, Psalm 18:2-3).
(Prov 18:11 NASB) A rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own imagination.
Prov 18:11: While the name of the Father is righteousness and protection, the rich man only imagines that his wealth is a strong shelter for him (Psalm 2:5-7, 62:10-11).
(Prov 18:12 NASB) Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, But humility goes before honor.
Prov 18:12: The humble will be honored, but pride comes before destruction (Luke 14:11, 1 Peter 5:5).
(Prov 18:13 NASB) He who gives an answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him.
Prov 18:13: Judgment is not to be made until a matter is thoroughly heard and investigated (Deut. 19:15-19, 13:14, John 7:50-51).
(Prov 18:14 NASB) The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, But a broken spirit who can bear?
Prov 18:14: In sickness, it is a man’s spirit that keeps him going. A broken spirit can endure nothing.
(Prov 18:15 NASB) The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
(Prov 18:16 NASB) A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.
Prov 18:16: This is not speaking of a bribe, but of a courtesy. A favor can smooth the way for a person.
(Prov 18:17 NASB) The first to plead his case seems just, Until another comes and examines him.
Prov 18:17: This is in the case of a lawsuit or a debate. Both sides should be heard out before a judgment is made.
(Prov 18:18 NASB) The lot puts an end to contentions, And decides between the mighty.
Prov 18:18: Casting lots, if agreed upon, allows harmony between opponents.
(Prov 18:19 NASB) A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.
Prov 18:19: We must be careful in our dealings with our brothers. Contentions can be almost impossible to mend.
(Prov 18:20 NASB) With the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; He will be satisfied with the product of his lips.
(Prov 18:21 NASB) Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
Prov 18:21: The words out of a man’s mouth can bring satisfaction, like, or death. We must be careful with our words and how they are perceived.
(Prov 18:22 NASB) He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the LORD.
Prov 18:22: Elohim wants us to have righteous spouses. They are a gift from Elohim (Ecc. 9:9, Prov. 5:18-19).
(Prov 18:23 NASB) The poor man utters supplications, But the rich man answers roughly.
Prov 18:23: This proverb is just reporting the truth in the worl.
(Prov 18:24 NASB) A man of many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Prov 18:24: This is probably speaking of “too” many friends. But there is usually a friend that is closer than a brother.
Patrick McGuire
Copyright 2014 Patrick McGuire and Beit Yeshua Torah Assembly All rights reserved, no portion of this Lesson may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations in articles and reviews. Beit Yeshua Torah Assembly Fort Smith, Arkansas