Proverbs 18

Proverbs 18 has long been a favorite of mine. As a “people person” I am drawn to the many proverbs here concerning healthy (and not so healthy) human interaction. Most of these listed below concern how (and when) we speak; a few concern friendship and marriage.

Proverbs aren’t meant to be scanned quickly, but pondered and applied. So if you are struck by a particular verse, I invite you to mull it over today; and, most important, put its wisdom to good use.

Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. (Proverbs 18:1)

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. (18:2)

A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. (18:6)

The words of a whisperer [i.e. gossip] are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body. (18:8)

If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. (18:3)

The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him. (18:17)

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. (18:21)

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. (18:22)

The poor use entreaties, but the rich answer roughly. (18:23)

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (18:24)