* See a drawing to the right by an unknown author is now in public domain.
>1. What drives us to isolationism, what is the result, and how can it be avoided?
* Proverbs 18:1 "An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment."
* "An unfriendly man" -The eyes has a harder time determining if a person is unfriendly than the ear. Our words will eventually reveal the heart and mind.
* "pursues selfish ends" -The human nature to pursue selfish ends is often self-justified.
* "he defies" -A willing resistance.
* "sound judgment" -Meaning that which is good, moral, ethical, and right is obtained through Godly inspiration.
* Having friends, children, and especially a spouse should include selfless love, respect, truth, trust, closeness, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23). We learn from Christ that love is laying down our life for another. (1 John 3:16) In giving away we mysteriously receive more. (Matthew 16:24-28; Mark 10:21)
In line with these truths, this proverb rightly states that a person who is selfish is usually unfriendly and will isolate themselves from others; even children and spouse. A selfish loner opposes all sound reasoning. They push away others.
For the selfish loner relationships with others is only a means to selfish gains. The cunning unfriendly person will associate with others because they need them to achieve what they desire. This could be alcohol, drugs, money, possessions, power, glamour, sex, respect, and self gratifications. Slowly they lose their soul. Nothing satisfies them. What they worked so hard to gain illudes them forever.
Selfish isolationists are from all walks of life. They are rich and poor, admired and repulsive, married and single. I cannot judge myself as innocent of the unfriendly selfish life by using these meters. Rather, the Spirit in prayer, meditation, and Bible study can reveal that I need more than change once to be Christ-like. The Spirit of God will reveal to me how I need to continually lay down my life for others like Christ.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 18:1.
>What could the fool in verse 2 do to improve his or her life?
* Proverbs 18:2 "A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions."
* "A fool finds no pleasure" -Meant to help us search our heart by looking at what we find pleasure in.
* "in understanding" -Knowing the root cause.
* "delights in" -Same as the beginning, this is meant to help us search our heart by looking at what we find pleasure in.
* "airing his own opinions." -Opinion is not the same as truth in most cases of a fool.
* Everyone has their own opinions. I have my own opinion. Humans were designed to have opinions. Having an opinion is part of learning. This proverb is telling me to show restraint in airing my opinions. The original Hebrew words in the second half of this proverb are "leb gala rasha" which can also be translated as "heart (and mind) uncover (or discover) wicked (man)". To air an opinion is different than airing God's truth which is Jesus's commandment.
While Jesus walked this earth many opinions were aired on who he was. The religious leaders said he was demon-possessed. One day Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." (Matthew 16:13-14: Mark 9:28; Luke 9:19) None of these opinions were from God. Thus, they revealed they were fools because they refused to understand the truth.
Then Jesus asked his disciples to air their opinions on who he was. "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "The Christ (Messiah) of God." (Matthew 16:15-16; Luke 9:20; Mark 9:29) Jesus told the disciples that this was not Peter's opinion, but a revelation of God. (Matthew 16:17) Before I made this God-revealed confession I too was a uninspired fool.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 18:2.
>What are the sequence of events in the proverb in verse 3?
* Proverbs 18:3 "When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes disgrace."
* "When wickedness comes" -Implying it will come to all at unexpected times.
* "so does contempt" -Often the case for all.
* "and with shame comes disgrace." -A comparison to the first half to help us learn and so not to make a life changing error.
* A progression of results from one action.
* The proverb links wickedness with contempt and shame with disgrace. Other proverbs and verses also have these as a subject usually as a warning. Such as, "Do not treat prophecies with contempt" (1 Thessalonians 5:20), and "Do you show contempt for the riches of God's kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4). There is also Daniel 12:2, "Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt." There is also Proverbs 3:35, 6:33, 10:5, 11:2, 27:11, Psalm 31:19, and Isaiah 22:18.
All the passages that deal with contempt tell me that I cannot have that emotion towards anyone or anything, not even myself. If I do have contempt then it comes from wickedness inside. If wickedness is not removed from within me then shame followed by disgrace will come.
Contempt is a powerful emotion; a blend of hate and pride with a dash of self-righteousness and disrespect. I can think of only one cure for this potent brew. That cure is the blood of Jesus. By his blood, I have been saved. (Romans 5:9)
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 18:3.
>2. How do words set the mood of an encounter or occasion?
* Proverbs 18:4 "The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook."
* "The words of a man's mouth" -The words spoken is a common theme in Proverbs, especially this chapter.
* "deep waters" -Unknown and mysterious, exiting, and threatening.
* "the fountain of wisdom" -From God alone.
* "a bubbling brook." -Remembrance of Psalm 23.
* One summer vacation on an ocean beach my young son and I decided to swim to a buoy that appeared to be close to the shore. It was not. After a longer time than expected with persistence, my son and I arrived at our destination. It was then that I wondered what was in the mysterious depths below. Bobbing up and down on the surface I could never know what was in the dark deep waters beneath.
The words in a person's mouth are compared to deep waters. They are either profound or obscure. They could be treasure or trash. They could be a dauphin or shark. They could be void or contain a school of Cardinalfish.
This is compared to the fountain of wisdom. A fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. The words of wisdom are refreshing and a source of life. They are pleasant to view and hear. Sweet refreshing smells from the mist can put one at ease. The sun flickering on a flowing river is like a cascade of diamonds. Brooks are a rainbow and the waterfalls are like flowing long hair.
Today my words can be the ocean deep or a flowing river.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 18:4.
>Does a person need to be a magistrate to apply the proverb in verse 5?
* Proverbs 18:5 "It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the innocent of justice."
* "It is not good"
* "to be partial to the wicked"
* "or to deprive"
* "the innocent of justice."
* Jesus is the truth (John 14:6) and he distributes justice. He is not partial. He tells me to not be partial when I assess another's action. (Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 1:17, 16:19) Everyone harbors preconceived judgments and convictions about others based on looks and mannerisms. These tell me only a little about the person. They do not tell me much. Yet, whether I know a lot or know little I am to assess the truth based on the Spirit and Jesus' truth. It is not good to deprive the innocent of justice.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 18:5.
>How are the proverbs in verses 6 and 7 related?
* Proverbs 18:6 "A fool's lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating."
* "A fool's lips"
* "bring him strife"
* "his mouth"
* "invites a beating."
* This drawing in public domain from a book by Wallis, Alfred (1833- ?) is titled "Bemroses' guide to Matlock, Bakewell, Chatsworth, Haddon hall, &c. / with walks round Matlock-Bath, list of wild flowers, ferns, and mosses, found in the neighborhood, table of distances, &c."
The titled is "Initial Letter E". An initial letter E depicted as though it is made of wood with a castle with a tower surrounded by a wall below.
Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu.
>Since a wrongly spoken word can be very destructive, can the damage be corrected?
* Proverbs 18:7 "A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul."
* "A fool's mouth... his lips" -The mouth and lips are the reverse of the previous proverbs.
* "is his undoing"
* "a snare to his soul."
* The words I say can bring a load of trouble. What if I am prone to start a quarrel and strife with my lips? What does it mean when I am repeatedly punished because of what comes out of my mouth? It means I am a fool and hot-tempered. (15:18, 17:19, 20:3)
What drives me to drive every small viewpoint with dashed words like nails into a coffin? My heart is restless, proud, and yet has low self-esteem. A mind that is not calmed by the peace of God moves my speech to speak words of dissension. This is why I have a mouth that is a load of trouble and isolation.
Jesus walked this earth as the son of God chosen and loved by God. (Matthew 12:19-20). He did not quarrel or cry out in the streets. He was at peace with God and brought that peace to others. He blessed the nations and they put their hope in him. His mannerism is an example to me of how to speak to others. He can make my mouth a fountain of calming equanimity.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 18:6-7.
>3. How is gossip similar to the fool's word in verses 5 thru 7?
* Proverbs 18:8 "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts."
* "The words of a gossip"
* "are like choice morsels"
* "they go down to a man's inmost parts."
* Gossip looks so delicious widening my eyes. It is fragrant and sweet impulsing a deep breath. The mouth moistens waiting impatiently. Gossip has a vibrant palatable texture, tickling the tongue and caressing the nose. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels created in the kitchens of master chefs and bakers. Many wait in lines and will overpay to empty the plate of well-prepared gossip.
Gossip is rumor or talk of a personal, sensational, or intimate nature. A gossip habitually spreads intimate or private rumors or facts. Gossip embellishes information of often trivial and inconsequential nature. Truth is not important to a gossip, only that they are heard, the center of attention.
"...they go down to a person's inmost parts" means what happens when rich food is swallowed down quickly and greedily. It is deeply ruinous to the tender bowels of the poor little innocents. We pay the price of eating too much bacon quickly for a long time.
This proverb is repeated again word for word in 26:22 stressing its importance for gossip has four victims; the teller, the hearer, the subject, and society.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 18:8.
>Why is working better than doing nothing and expecting hand-outs?
* Proverbs 18:9 "One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys."
* "One who is slack in his work"
* "is brother to one who destroys."
* Being slack is lacking diligence, due care, or concern about what one needs to do or is doing. It is being negligent in work. This proverb relates being slack with destroying. The object being destroyed is me, my family, my congregation, my friends, and society.
Work can be anything I am doing or need to do. It could be studying or chores. It could be caring for children or elderly parents in my household or occupation. It could be what my supervisor assigns me. It could be prayer, meditation, or Bible study. It could be a charity or an act of kindness. The personalization of what is work for me is to answer the questions, "What do I need or have to do today? What could I do today that is not important or needed for myself, my family, my friends, and society? Am I slacking?"
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 18:9.
II. The Heart, the Ears (18:10-15)
* This drawing in public domain from a book by Turner, J. M. W. (Joseph Mallord William) (1775-1851 ) is titled "The Turner Gallery; a series of one hundred and twenty engravings from the works of the late J.M.W. Turner, R.A.; the descriptive text by W. Cosmo Monkhouse ..."
The titled is "The Birdcage". A group of women peacefully and securely interact in a picnic setting near the fortress with a large tower in the background.
Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu.
>4. What does it mean that the name of the Lord is a strong tower?
* Proverbs 18:10 "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."
* "The name of the LORD"
* "a strong tower"
* "the righteous run to it and are safe."
* The name of the Lord is a strong tower. A strong tower is a high rock building in fortresses and castles where soldiers reside and weapons are kept. When enemies attacked a city the soldiers would choose a weapon, be stationed at a window or opening, and ward off the enemies. A strong tower is the safest place in the entire city. That is why people run to it and are safe.
The name of the Lord (YHWH in Hebrew) in this proverb means that I call on, take refuge in, or use the name of God Almighty. (Genesis 4:26, 12:8, 13:4; 21:33; Exodus 3:15) When enemies ridicule me I call on the Lord Jesus and can be at peace. When sickness comes I can call on the Lord Jesus and find rest. When troubles come of all and any type I can run to the Lord and be safe. This is a promise proverb.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 18:10.
>Why is the fortitude of wealth misleading?
* Proverbs 18:11 "The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it an unscalable wall."
* "The wealth of the rich"
* "is their fortified city"
* "they imagine" -Thoughts are not always in the reality of the truth.
* "it an unscalable wall."
* I have never been rich by the standards of most of my neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family members. Though by some I have had more than they. Still, the point is my wealth is not my fortified city because I do not have wealth. No wealth-laden wall exists to scale in my chauffeurs. An enemy can come in and ravage my life except for the fortitude of the name of the Lord as verse 10 states.
The point of the proverb in verse 11 is that even if I am extravagantly or secretly wealthy it is not assured to always keep enemies and troubles at bay. Many cities and countries thought they had built the perfect wall to keep them safe. Yet, every fortified city and citadel had fallen to a persistent and cunning enemy. Troy was conquered with a horse full of fighting men. Jericho's imperative walls fell at the sound of trumpets and shouts. Rome's armies abandoned the city to the Mongols. USSR's iron wall came down. Tenochtitlan's water wall was not enough to stop the conquistadors and the neighboring villages. The same is the safety of the wealth of the rich. It cannot always withstand.
However, the proverb promise is true, "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 18:11.
>5. How do the heart conditions of pride and humility eventually effect our lives?
* Proverbs 18:12 "Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor."
* "Before his downfall"
* "a man's heart is proud"
* "humility comes before honor."
* What are humility (lowly spirit) and its aspirant pride (haughty spirit) that so much advice and warnings are given concerning them? (3:34, 6:3, 17, 11:2, 13:10, 15:25, 33, 16:5, 18, 19, 17:6, 18:12, 13, 21:4, 24, 22:4, 29:23, 30:13) Their definitions are in the comments for Proverbs 11:2 at www.FreeBibleStudyHelp.com.
What are they in me, so that I may know if I am a lowly spirit or a haughty spirit. I do not want to be the cause of my own downfall because my heart is proud as this proverb promises.
The path to humility begins with comparing my character and actions to the humble holy defined in the Bible. When I present myself to God in his holy state how then do I see myself. Self-examination in the light of perfection is not for the faint of heart. Cowards do not step into the light. Yet, it is an important beginning step to redemption. Thus, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Don't be one who steps into the light only to not understand it. (John 1:5, 8:12)
"Jesus cried out, 'When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." (John 12:44-46) Step into the light, know thyself, and be humbled.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 18:12.
>Why is hearing better than speaking?
* Proverbs 18:13 "He who answers before listening-- that is his folly and his shame."
* "He who answers before listening"
* "that is his folly and his shame."
* The proverb today is a simple conversational tip, listen to the person I am talking to. Don't answer before hearing all they have to say. This is especially true in conversations that are important life events - decisions to be made, troubles experienced, and heartaches and burdens carrying. It is also true when exchanging information and making contracts.
Though these points are known to be true they are not easy to follow. Why? Because ego wants to speak up and show off. I want to be heard and recognized. I want attention. My pride is thinking of an answer when they share their first words. I don't want to forget the great wisdom that came to me so I interrupt them. Pride speaks before listening to all they want to say. Self-pride cannot wait to speak. A voice answering before listening is like blowing smoke in their face. It is time I quit the habit.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 18:13.
* This drawing in public domain from a book by Turner, J. M. W. (Joseph Mallord William) (1775-1851 ) is titled "The Turner Gallery; a series of one hundred and twenty engravings from the works of the late J.M.W. Turner, R.A.; the descriptive text by W. Cosmo Monkhouse ..."
The titled is "Scarborough. ". A quiet peaceful seaport village with a young child and his dogs play at waters edge lay beneath a fortified city with a large lookout towers.
Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu.
>6. What is "spirit" in verse 14?
* Proverbs 18:14 "A man's spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?"
* "A man's spirit"
* "sustains him in sickness"
* "a crushed spirit"
* The body becoming ill is common to all. Some have had an illness for many years. Others rarely have a bodily illness. Whether it be a virus, an injury, a defect, or the decay of an organ we can endure and most times overcome by the will of our spirit. A person's spirit sustains them in sickness.
What is our spirit? How can it be broken and/or crushed as this proverb says? (15:13, 17:22) The spirit is invisible to the human eye. We cannot taste it nor physically feel it. However, we are at times aware of another's spirit though most times we don't understand it. (John 1:5)
The human spirit is not an abstract concept nor a force. Speaking of Jesus the apostle John wrote, "In him was life, and that life was the light of men. (John 1:4) The life that John tells us about is not physical life, but spiritual. Our spirit is part of our being as much as our physical body and our soul (mind and emotion). God breaths into humans the breath of life, that is our spirit. (Genesis 2:7; Luke 23:46)
Without the Holy Spirit of God in us, our spirit is unhealthy, broken, and dead. When a person puts their faith, hope, and love in Jesus then the Holy Spirit comes into our spirit bringing it back to health. The Spirit of God fixes a broken spirit. With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Turn to Jesus and live.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 18:14.
>What is the secret to obtaining knowledge revealed in verse 15?
* Proverbs 18:15 "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out."
* "The heart of the discerning"
* "acquires knowledge"
* "the ears of the wise seek it out."
* The original Hebrew word for heart and mind in this proverb is "leb". This is equivalent to the human soul. The original Hebrew word for discerning, intellect, and prudent is "bin". This is the character of soul that grows in knowledge. The implication in the first half of the proverb is that a person who is discerning has the characteristic of acquiring knowledge their whole life.
The second half of the proverb is the means that makes it possible for them to acquire knowledge; mainly they listen to others. This makes a person wise.
The thought of acquiring knowledge to many is going to a school, college, or university. However, there are other means to acquiring knowledge; read books, listen to people that know truth, and watch educational videos. Then there is the tried-and-true principle of trial and error. That is the main way I learned how to prepare meals, my tongue told my palate to not do that again or eat some more. It is also the means I use to learn web site coding and design for www.FreeBibleStudyHelp.com.
The main point of the proverb it to continue to educate myself. Some learned items will be worthless such as Solomon's experiment as recorded in Ecclesiastes and others will be life changing such as the apostles' common life training with Jesus.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 18:15.
III. A Mouth, the Tongue (18:16-24)
>7. What is a way to gain an audience with social, financial, and political power? (16)
* Proverbs 18:16 "A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great."
* "A gift"
* "opens the way for the giver"
* "ushers him into the presence of the great."
* A gift is given for many reasons and intents. Giving to a person who already has a lot usually does not have the same reason as giving to a person who has little. Giving to a friend has a different intent than giving to an enemy. Giving because I have a need from the receiver is not the same as giving because the receiver has a need.
The proverb in verse 16 is not a comparative proverb as most others are. Nor does it give a warning or a promise as most others do. Rather it makes a statement of facts. A consistent fact of every human culture is that giving a gift to the great in any society makes way for me to enter into their life and business.
Jesus has unique teachings on giving. He said, "When you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets ...when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." (Matthew 6:3-4)
While this proverb speaks about how to get into the circle of the powerful and rich of this world by giving to them, Jesus teaches how to get noticed by God who rewards perfectly and eternally.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 18:16.
>Why is it important to consider both sides of a case when required to make a judgment?
* Proverbs 18:17 "The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him."
* "The first to present his case seems right"
* "till another"
* "comes forward and questions him."
* The proverb assumes that guilty people do not tell the truth when defending themselves in official settings. Most of the time when we are guilty of wrong we self-justify to ourselves and others. When the truth gets in the way of our self-justification we either dismiss it or twist it into the opposite -falsehood. We learn this at a young age till our conscience is burned out.
The apparent use of this proverb is for judges. A judge is warned to hear both sides of the case. The proverb also instructs to cross-examine the witnesses and accused. Solomon showed wisdom in a court case by listening to both sides and understanding human nature, especially a mother's love. (1 Samuel 3:16-28)
This proverb is also applicable to everyday living. Parents learn to determine if a child is telling the truth or not. However, this works best if the parent listens to all their children and deals with them all in love and respect. If a parent is impartial and favors one over the others a parent falls short of being a good parent. Moses instructed the judges who were elders in their families, "...Hear the disputes between your brothers and judge fairly, whether the case is between brother Israelites or between one of them and an alien." (Deuteronomy 1:16) Jesus' warning was more stern, "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Matthew 7:2) Parents understand that all children eventually lie.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 18:17.
>8. Why did people cast lots and what is it? (18)
* Proverbs 18:18 "Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart."
* "Casting the lot"
* "settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart."
* The Lord is in charge. (16:4, 33) He determines a person's steps. (16:9, 19:21) He determines everyone's life course. (21:31) His will prevails over all. Many times everyone seeks to know God's will in an important decision because we commonly fear a wrong decision will be disastrous. We declare, "I just don't know what to do. Lord show me your will."
God knows this. The Urim and the Thummim in the High Priest's breast piece were given to Israel to determine God's will. (Exodus 28:30) When not available people cast lots. Nehemiah cast lots to determine who among those returning to Judea would live in Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 11:1) The apostles cast lots to determine who would take the traitor Judas' place. (Acts 1:26) Gideon placed a fleece on the ground to see if it would get moist to know if God would accomplish victory through him. (Judges 6:33-40)
Similarly, when a dispute erupts tempers rise threatening peace, health, and even life we seek a way to resolve the disagreement in a peaceful manner, especially when no common ground can be found to improve the outlook of the escalating dialogue. Casting the lot was a common way to settle disputes and keep strong opponents apart as this proverb directs. This only works if the two agree to hold the decision.
How do I settle a dispute with another? Even a dispute with another believer in Jesus? (Mark 9:33-34) King Jehoshaphat appointed wise men anointed by God to settle disputes amongst the children of God. (2 Chronicles 19:8) Similarly, I can seek the counsel of someone I know who has faith in Jesus and is wise. (Isaiah 2:4, Micah 4:3) If pride is involved I can head Jesus' advice, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." (Mark 9:33)
"When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him." (Proverbs 16:7) And, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Romans 12:17-18)
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 18:18.
* This drawing in public domain from a book by Turner, J. M. W. (Joseph Mallord William) (1775-1851 ) is titled "The Turner Gallery; a series of one hundred and twenty engravings from the works of the late J.M.W. Turner, R.A.; the descriptive text by W. Cosmo Monkhouse ..."
The titled is "Norham Castle". Beneath a dark ominous castle on a hill is the scene of fisherman and cattle on the shores of a quiet river. A sailboat is slowly traversing away from the castle.
Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu.
>Why do siblings hold a grudge?
* Proverbs 18:19 "An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel."
* "An offended brother"
* "is more unyielding than a fortified city"
* "disputes"
* "are like the barred gates of a citadel."
* Siblings are usually the people who know us the most, sometimes as much as or more than a spouse. A spouse we choose. A sibling we do not. A sibling is often very different than us to the point of being annoying and refreshing at the same time. My interactions with my siblings are often a measure of my character and my faith in God.
Offend a sibling and they will be more unyielding than a fortified city. This is seen in the life of Esau who held a grudge against his younger brother Jacob because of the blessing his father gave him. He wanted to kill Jacob after his father died. (Genesis 27:21)
Absalom hated his half-brother Amnon because Amnon had raped and devastated Absalom's sister Tamar. Absalom held his hate for two years before he killed Amnon. (2 Samuel 13) Absalom became so bitter that he rebelled against his father which led to his early death. (2 Samuel 15-17) A sibling can be the worse enemy or the strongest supporter.
Though most disputes with a sibling are not as violent, disputes are sure to happen. Disputes among brothers are like the barred gates of a citadel.
This proverb is true with physical siblings as well as spiritual siblings. How to open the barred gates separating siblings? When the ten apostles were indignant with James and John because they had their mother asked for her sons to sit on the left and right of Jesus' kingdom, "Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave-- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:25-28)
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 18:19.
>9. When does our words satisfy? (20)
* Proverbs 18:20 "From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied."
* "From the fruit of his mouth"
* "a man's stomach is filled"
* "with the harvest from his lips"
* "he is satisfied."
>How does the proverb in verse 21 reveal the extent of the power of words?
* Proverbs 18:21 "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."
* "The tongue has the power of life and death"
* "those who love it will eat its fruit."
* Controlling words spoken is the subject of many proverbs indicating that it is not easy. Being careful what is spoken and when to speak or keep quiet can be as difficult and bone-jarring as breaking a young stallion. The reason killing tongues remain is that the mouth is attached to wild hearts. Those hearts are anchored to lifeless spirits that make the mouth unclean. (Matthew 15:18-19)
What I say will affect my life. If I wonder how did I get in this situation the answer is probably because my words got me there. I will reap what my tongue sows. Take the blame for the tongue is usually guilty. Then plant new life-giving words.
When I speak I bring life or death. Parents can bring life and death to their children. A child will remember a parent's brash words throughout their life more than uplifting words. Therefore, speak lovingly often to a son and daughter and perhaps they will remember at least one and eat from a fruitful life. The same goes for words to siblings and parents.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 18:20-21.
>10. How should a husband respond to the proverb in verse 22?
* Proverbs 18:22 "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD."
* "He who finds a wife"
* "finds what is good"
* "receives favor from the LORD."
* The man who finds a wife has found good. When the Lord God created Adam. the man walked around the beautiful Garden of Eden. Surrounded by perfection he realized it was not all good with him. Something was missing. A good companion he did not find though he was surrounded by paradise.
So God created the perfect suitable helper, Eve. The Lord God brought her to him. The Lord God showed favor to Adam by bringing him Eve. (19:14) Adam received favor when the Lord brought him a wife of nobile character. She made the garden perfect living. She was worth more than rubies. (31:10) He was happy.
I am happy because the Lord God brought me a beautiful woman of noble prudent character. I have received great favor from the Lord God.
Jesus' bride is the church. He makes us of noble character. I am to be the bride of Christ.
Listen to the above comments on Proverb 18:22.
>What happens in the human heart when they become rich? (23)
* Proverbs 18:23 "A poor man pleads for mercy, but a rich man answers harshly."
* "A poor man"
* "pleads for mercy"
* "a rich man"
* "answers harshly."
*
* This drawing in public domain from a book by Turner, J. M. W. (Joseph Mallord William) (1775-1851 ) is titled "The Turner Gallery; a series of one hundred and twenty engravings from the works of the late J.M.W. Turner, R.A.; the descriptive text by W. Cosmo Monkhouse ..."
The titled is "Hythe". Soldiers on a hilltop look down upon a fort with high walls. In the distance a church tower rests on a seashore. Between the fort and the church is a seaport town.
Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu.
>Who is the friend that sticks closer than a brother?
* Proverbs 18:24 "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (John 15:14-17; Matthew 12:48-50)
* John 15:14-17 "You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other."
* Matthew 12:48-50 "He replied to him, 'Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?' Pointing to his disciples, he said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.'"
* "A man of many companions may come to ruin"
* "there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
* Having many trusted friends and wise advisors is recommended in the Bible, especially in the book of Proverbs. Yet, having many does not guarantee that I won't come to ruin as this proverb declares, especially if they are not trusted and wise. Such companions can destroy one another. Sometimes a friend becomes unfriendly and companions become a foul company, as the twelve apostles when they abandoned Jesus when he was arrested. (Matthew 26:56)
The proverb states that there exists a friend who sticks closer than a brother. However, the mystery to solve is who is such a friend? For some, this could be a spouse. (31:10-12) Yet, with divorce so common some qualifications would be needed for a spouse to be such a trustworthy and loving friend, one who does not abandon when my condition and/or future look like an uncertain surety of comfort and ease. Does a friend exist who sticks closer than a brother even better than a wife or husband of noble character?
Christ Jesus is the friend and lover who will never forsake. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them unto the end showing them the full extent of his love. (John 13:1) "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
