“One who separates himself seeks his own desire;
He quarrels against all sound wisdom.
A fool does not delight in understanding,
But only in revealing his own mind.”

“When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes,
And with dishonor comes taunting.
The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters;
The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.”

“To show partiality to the wicked is not good,
Nor to suppress the righteous in judgment.
A fool’s lips bring strife,
And his mouth invites beatings.
A fool’s mouth is his ruin,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.”

“The words of a gossiper are like dainty morsels,
And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
He also who is lax in his work
Is a brother to him who destroys.”

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
The righteous runs into it and is safe.
A rich person’s wealth is his strong city,
And like a high wall in his own imagination.”

“Before destruction the heart of a person is haughty,
But humility goes before honor.”

“One who gives an answer before he hears,
It is foolishness and shame to him.
The spirit of a person can endure his sickness,
But as for a broken spirit, who can bear it?”

“The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,
And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
A person’s gift makes room for him
And brings him before great people.”

“The first to plead his case seems right,
Until another comes and examines him.
Casting a lot ends disputes
And keeps strong ones apart.”

“A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city,
And quarrels are like the bars of a citadel.”

“With the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied;
He will be satisfied with the product of his lips.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.”

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing
And obtains favor from the Lord.
A poor person utters supplications,
But a rich person answers harshly.”

“A person of too many friends comes to ruin,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

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Context and Meaning

Proverbs 18 is a study in communication and character.
It shows how words can:

• Heal or harm
• Build trust or break it
• Open doors or destroy opportunities

At the center of the chapter is a profound truth:

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”

It also contains some of the clearest teaching on friendship, humility, and trust in the Lord rather than in self-made security.

Key Themes:

1. Isolation and Pride: Self-centered independence leads to folly (v. 1–2).
2. The Power of Speech: Words reveal and shape the soul (v. 4, 6–8, 20–21).
3. Humility Before Honor: Pride precedes collapse; humility precedes elevation (v. 12).
4. The Need for Discernment: Listen before speaking; truth must be examined (v. 13, 17).
5. The Name of the Lord: A refuge stronger than wealth (v. 10–11).
6. Relational Wisdom: Offenses can imprison hearts; wisdom seeks reconciliation (v. 19).
7. Marriage as Blessing: A wife is a gift from God (v. 22).
8. True Friendship: Not all friendships are equal, but genuine loyalty is a treasure (v. 24).

Reflection and Impact

Proverbs 18 presses us to consider how much our words and attitudes shape our spiritual walk.

• God is our refuge – “The name of the Lord is a strong tower” (v. 10) echoes Psalm 46:1: God is our refuge and strength.
• Self-sufficiency is an illusion – “A rich man’s wealth is his strong city… in his imagination” (v. 11) connects to 1 Timothy 6:17: don’t fix your hope on riches.
• Humility leads to honor – “Humility goes before honor” (v. 12) complements James 4:10: humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.
• Listen before speaking – “He who answers before listening…” (v. 13) parallels James 1:19: be quick to hear, slow to speak.
• Words carry power – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (v. 21) reflects Matthew 12:37: by your words you will be justified or condemned.
• True friendship points to Christ – “A friend who sticks closer than a brother” (v. 24) whispers John 15:13: no one has greater love than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

Application

• Seek Understanding: Don’t speak before listening.
• Guard Your Tongue: Words can bring life—or devastation.
• Run to the Lord: Make Him your tower, not your wealth or strength.
• Walk in Humility: Pride blinds; humility opens doors.
• Pursue True Friendship: Choose loyalty and depth over superficial connection.
• Heal, Don’t Wound: Use your words to restore, encourage, and bring truth.

Closing Thought

Proverbs 18 reminds us that our words are never empty—they build worlds or break them.
Our pride isolates, but humility gives life.
And in the deepest moments of need, God Himself is our refuge and Christ is the Friend who never leaves.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”