1 One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires;
he rebels against all sound wisdom.
2 A fool does not delight in understanding,
but only wants to show off his opinions. ,u
3 When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes,
and along with dishonor, derision.
4 The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters, v
a flowing river, a fountain of wisdom.
5 It is not good to show partiality to the guilty, w
denying an innocent person justice. x
6 A fool’s lips lead to strife,
and his mouth provokes a beating. y
7 A fool’s mouth is his devastation,
and his lips are a trap for his life. z
8 A gossip’s words are like choice food
that goes down to one’s innermost being. ,a
9 The one who is lazy in his work
is brother to a vandal. ,b
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; c
the righteous run to it and are protected. ,d
11 The wealth of the rich is his fortified city;
in his imagination it is like a high wall. e
12 Before his downfall a person’s heart is proud, f
but humility comes before honor. g
13 The one who gives an answer before he listens—
this is foolishness and disgrace for him. h
14 A person’s spirit can endure sickness,
but who can survive a broken spirit? i
15 The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks it. j
16 A person’s gift opens doors for him
and brings him before the great. k
17 The first to state his case seems right
until another comes and cross-examines him. l
18 Casting the lot m ends quarrels
and separates powerful opponents.
19 An offended brother is harder to reach
than a fortified city,
and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress.
20 From the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach is satisfied;
he is filled with the product of his lips. n
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruit. o
22 A man who finds a wife finds a good thing p
and obtains favor from the LORD. q
23 The poor person pleads, r
but the rich one answers roughly. s
24 One with many friends may be harmed,
but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother. t
18:1–9. The thematic emphasis of 18:1–8 is the fool’s speech. Accordingly, 17:27–28 could be viewed as introductory or transitional. The theme is launched by introducing three types of speakers: the antisocial person, the fool, and the wicked. The antisocial person (“one who isolates himself”; cf. 17:9) pursues self-gratification, leading him to irrationally provoke quarrels (18:1; cf. 17:14; 20:3). The fool takes pleasure in exposing the moral bankruptcy of his own heart rather than in gaining understanding (18:2; see the CSB footnote). Contempt for others accompanies the wicked person, and the feelings are mutual (18:3).
18:10–15. The next unit begins with an ironic proverbial pair (18:10–11). Whereas the righteous seek refuge in the towering character of their God, the rich vainly consider their wealth as making them invulnerable to trouble’s assault. Such haughty thoughts precede doom, while the humility of the righteous is rewarded (18:12; 18:12b = 15:33b). Haughtiness leads one to respond before considering what a conversation partner has to say; this can also lead to humiliation (18:13), and perhaps even to a crushed spirit, which is worse than disease (18:14). In contrast, the ears of the wise eagerly listen and learn (18:15).
18:16–21. Disputes, especially within a legal context, are dealt with here. Accordingly, “gift” probably refers to a bribe or private present that secures an unfair advantage for a person rather than to generosity or giftedness (18:16; cf. 21:14). Proverbs 18:17 affirms the persuasive power of a well-crafted argument—at least, prior to cross-examination. Proverbs 18:18 commends the alternative of casting lots to settle a dispute, since God, rather than elders, then determines the outcome (16:33; Jnh 1:7). This is preferable to leaving the offended person less approachable than a fortified city (18:19; cf. 18:11).
18:22–24. Proverbs 18:22–24 fits well with the initial emphasis on companionship, especially the poor person’s lack thereof in 19:1–7. Proverbs 18:22 begins with the most intimate of human relationships, affirming that finding a (wise) wife is valuable (cf. 8:35; 19:8) and an indication of divine favor. The poor, however, often find themselves alone, their pleas for compassion rebuffed by the rich (18:23). Yet even with companions you can come to ruin if you lack a true friend, who will stick with you in a crisis (18:24; cf. 15:9 [a divine friend?]).