Proverbs 18

Proverbs on Speech and Relationships

1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. Parallel theme: Proverbs 14:10, 20:3, 20:19, 24:21, 26:17, Exodus 33:16, Jeremiah 15:17, Matthew 13:44, Mark 1:35, Jude 1:19 +5

2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. Parallel theme: Proverbs 1:7, 12:23, 13:16, 17:16, Ecclesiastes 10:3, 1 Corinthians 8:1

3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach. Evil: 1 Peter 4:14. Parallel theme: Proverbs 11:2, 22:10

4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. Word: Proverbs 13:14, Colossians 3:16. Parallel theme: Proverbs 10:11, 20:5, Psalms 78:2, Matthew 12:34, John 4:14, Colossians 4:6 +3

5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteousRighteous: צַדִּיק (Tzaddik). The Hebrew tzaddik (צַדִּיק) describes one who is righteous, just, or lawful—conforming to God's standard. From the root tzedek (צֶדֶק), meaning righteousness or justice. in judgment. Judgment: Proverbs 24:23. Righteousness: Proverbs 17:15, Leviticus 19:15, Deuteronomy 16:19, Psalms 82:2, Isaiah 5:23. Good: Proverbs 28:21. Parallel theme: Job 34:19, Matthew 22:16 +4

6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. Parallel theme: Proverbs 27:3

7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. Parallel theme: Proverbs 6:2, 10:14, 12:13, 13:3, Psalms 64:8, 140:9

8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. Word: Proverbs 12:18. Parallel theme: Proverbs 16:28, Leviticus 19:16, Psalms 52:2

9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster. Parallel theme: Proverbs 10:4, 28:24, Matthew 25:26, Romans 12:11, Hebrews 6:12

10 The name of the LORDLord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai). When 'LORD' appears in small capitals, it represents the Tetragrammaton YHWH (יְהוָה), God's personal covenant name meaning 'I AM.' When 'Lord' appears normally, it's Adonai (אֲדֹנָי), meaning 'my Lord,' emphasizing sovereignty. is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. References Lord: Genesis 17:1, 1 Samuel 30:6, Psalms 18:2, 27:1, 91:2, Isaiah 26:4, Revelation 1:8. Parallel theme: 2 Samuel 22:3, Psalms 144:2, Matthew 1:23 +5

11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit. Parallel theme: Proverbs 10:15, Deuteronomy 32:31, Ecclesiastes 7:12

12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility. Parallel theme: Proverbs 11:2, 15:33, 16:18, 29:23, Ezekiel 28:2, 28:9, Daniel 9:20, 9:23, Luke 14:11, 1 Peter 5:5 +5

13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 13:14, John 7:51

14 The spiritSpirit: רוּחַ (Ruach). The Hebrew ruach (רוּחַ) means spirit, wind, or breath—invisible but powerful. It describes both the Holy Spirit and the human spirit. God's Spirit gives life and empowers His people. of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? Spirit: Proverbs 15:13, 17:22. Parallel theme: Psalms 109:22, 147:3, 2 Corinthians 2:7, James 1:2, 1 Peter 1:6 +2

15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. Parallel theme: Proverbs 1:5, 4:5, 4:7, 9:9, 10:14, 15:14, 23:23, 1 Kings 3:9, Luke 10:39, James 1:5 +5

16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. Parallel theme: Proverbs 17:8, 19:6, 21:14, Genesis 32:20, 33:10, 43:11, 1 Samuel 25:27 +2

17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him. Parallel theme: Proverbs 18:13

18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty. Parallel theme: Proverbs 16:33, Nehemiah 11:1

19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle. Parallel theme: Proverbs 6:19, 16:32, 1 Kings 12:16, Acts 15:39

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. Parallel theme: Proverbs 13:2, 22:18

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that loveLove: אַהֲבָה / חֶסֶד (Ahavah / Chesed). Hebrew uses ahavah (אַהֲבָה) for love generally, but the covenant term chesed (חֶסֶד) describes God's steadfast, loyal love—faithful covenant commitment beyond mere emotion. it shall eat the fruit thereof. Parallel theme: Proverbs 10:31, 11:30, 12:13, Isaiah 57:19, 2 Corinthians 2:16, 11:15, Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 4:6, 2 Peter 2:18 +4

22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORDLord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai). When 'LORD' appears in small capitals, it represents the Tetragrammaton YHWH (יְהוָה), God's personal covenant name meaning 'I AM.' When 'Lord' appears normally, it's Adonai (אֲדֹנָי), meaning 'my Lord,' emphasizing sovereignty.. References Lord: Proverbs 8:35, 19:14. Good: Proverbs 3:4, Genesis 2:18. Parallel theme: Proverbs 12:4, Genesis 24:67, 29:28, Ecclesiastes 9:9, Hosea 12:12, 1 Corinthians 7:2 +5

23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly. Parallel theme: James 2:3

24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Parallel theme: Proverbs 17:17, 27:9, 2 Samuel 1:26, 16:17, 21:7