Proverbs Chapter 18 KJV
King James Version, Holy Bible
Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
More Proverbs 18
9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
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.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.
23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
About This Proverb:
Biblical Scholars On This Chapter
| Scholar | Verse / Section | Key Scholarly Input |
|---|---|---|
| Carl Friedrich Keil (University of Leipzig, 1807–1888) | 1–12 (Speech, pride, and human folly) | Keil stresses that pride and careless speech bring moral and social harm. He interprets these verses as ethical warnings against arrogance. |
| Franz Delitzsch (University of Leipzig, 1813–1890) | 13–24 (Friendship, wealth, and righteousness) | Delitzsch highlights that moral character determines the value of relationships. He notes that righteous conduct fosters reliable and beneficial friendships. |
| Robert Jamieson (University of Edinburgh, 1802–1880) | 1–24 | Jamieson emphasizes the practical application of wisdom in daily interactions. He interprets the proverbs as guiding ethical speech and prudent behavior. |
Themes: Speech, Prudence, Righteousness, Folly
| Scholar / Institution & Work | Views on Themes Related to This Proverb (Added Verse for Emphasis) |
|---|---|
| Clement of Alexandria (c. 150–215, Stromata, Alexandria) | Words reflect the moral state of the heart. Prudence and ethical reflection guide righteous action (Verses 6–7). |
| Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202, Against Heresies, Lyons) | Ethical speech protects social and spiritual order. Prudence ensures proper moral conduct (Verses 2–3). |
| Origen (c. 184–253, On First Principles, Alexandria) | Speech must be guided by wisdom. Ethical vigilance prevents folly and harm (Verses 6–7). |
| Augustine of Hippo (354–430, De Doctrina Christiana, Hippo Regius) | Prudence governs speech and action. Words should reflect righteousness and virtue (Verses 2–3). |
| Basil the Great (c. 329–379, Letters and Ascetic Writings, Caesarea) | Ethical speech demonstrates moral integrity. Prudence protects against folly (Verses 6–7). |
| Chrysostom (c. 347–407, Homilies on Proverbs, Constantinople) | Words can uphold or disrupt ethical order. Prudence in speech ensures righteousness (Verses 2–3). |
| John Calvin (1509–1564, Commentary on the Book of Proverbs, Geneva) | Prudence and ethical vigilance govern speech. Words must reflect moral integrity (Verses 6–7). |
| Matthew Henry (1662–1714, Commentary on the Whole Bible, England) | Speech reveals character and virtue. Prudence prevents folly and guides righteousness (Verses 2–3). |
| Richard Baxter (1615–1691, The Practical Works of Richard Baxter, England) | Ethical vigilance is reflected in speech. Prudence sustains moral and social order (Verses 6–7). |
| John Owen (1616–1683, Works on Spiritual Life, England) | Words should align with virtue. Prudence protects against folly and ethical lapse (Verses 2–3). |
| Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274, Summa Theologica, University of Paris) | Prudence directs ethical speech and action. Words must reflect righteousness (Verses 6–7). |
| Peter Lombard (c. 1100–1160, Sentences, University of Paris) | Ethical vigilance governs speech. Prudence preserves virtue and social order (Verses 2–3). |
| Richard Hooker (1554–1600, Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity, England) | Words reveal moral state. Prudence ensures ethical conduct (Verses 6–7). |
| Thomas Watson (1620–1686, Body of Divinity, England) | Prudence in speech preserves virtue. Words express inner righteousness (Verses 2–3). |
| John Lightfoot (1602–1675, Horae Hebraicae et Talmudicae, Cambridge) | Ethical speech demonstrates prudence. Words should align with righteousness (Verses 6–7). |
| Hugh Binning (1627–1653, The Christian Academy, Scotland) | Prudence guides speech and moral reflection. Ethical vigilance prevents folly (Verses 2–3). |
| Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758, Sermons and Treatises, USA) | Words reveal ethical character. Prudence sustains righteous behavior (Verses 6–7). |
| Benedict Spinoza (1632–1677, Ethics, Netherlands) | Rational reflection governs speech. Prudence maintains moral and social order (Verses 2–3). |
| Jean Morin (1591–1659, Ecclesiastical History, France) | Ethical vigilance governs speech. Prudence protects righteousness (Verses 6–7). |
| Francis Turretin (1623–1687, Institutes of Elenctic Theology, Geneva) | Prudence and ethical reflection guide words. Speech must express virtue (Verses 2–3). |
