(Proverbs 18:1-24)
1 One who separates himself seeks his own desire;
He quarrels against all sound wisdom.
2 A fool does not delight in understanding,
But in revealing his own mind.
3 When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes,
And with dishonor comes taunting.
4 The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters;
The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5 To show partiality to the wicked is not good,
Nor to suppress the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool’s lips bring strife,
And his mouth invites beatings.
7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a gossiper are like dainty morsels,
And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
9 He also who is lax in his work
Is a brother to him who destroys.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
The righteous runs into it and is safe.
11 A rich person’s wealth is his strong city,
And like a high wall in his own imagination.
12 Before destruction the heart of a person is haughty,
But humility goes before honor.
13 One who gives an answer before he hears,
It is foolishness and shame to him.
14 The spirit of a person can endure his sickness,
But as for a broken spirit, who can endure it?
15 The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,
And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A person’s gift makes room for him
And brings him before great people.
17 The first to plead his case seems right,
Until another comes and examines him.
18 The cast lot puts an end to quarrels,
And decides between the mighty ones.
19 A brother who is offended is harder to be won than a strong city,
And quarrels are like the bars of a citadel.
20 With the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied;
He will be satisfied with the product of his lips.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing
And obtains favor from the Lord.
23 A poor person utters pleadings,
But a rich person answers defiantly.
24 A person of too many friends comes to ruin,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:
He quarrels against all sound wisdom.
2 A fool does not delight in understanding,
But in revealing his own mind.
3 When a wicked person comes, contempt also comes,
And with dishonor comes taunting.
4 The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters;
The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5 To show partiality to the wicked is not good,
Nor to suppress the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool’s lips bring strife,
And his mouth invites beatings.
7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a gossiper are like dainty morsels,
And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
9 He also who is lax in his work
Is a brother to him who destroys.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
The righteous runs into it and is safe.
11 A rich person’s wealth is his strong city,
And like a high wall in his own imagination.
12 Before destruction the heart of a person is haughty,
But humility goes before honor.
13 One who gives an answer before he hears,
It is foolishness and shame to him.
14 The spirit of a person can endure his sickness,
But as for a broken spirit, who can endure it?
15 The mind of the discerning acquires knowledge,
And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A person’s gift makes room for him
And brings him before great people.
17 The first to plead his case seems right,
Until another comes and examines him.
18 The cast lot puts an end to quarrels,
And decides between the mighty ones.
19 A brother who is offended is harder to be won than a strong city,
And quarrels are like the bars of a citadel.
20 With the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied;
He will be satisfied with the product of his lips.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing
And obtains favor from the Lord.
23 A poor person utters pleadings,
But a rich person answers defiantly.
24 A person of too many friends comes to ruin,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:
People have the choice to put their faith in their own wealth, strength and wisdom, thinking that this will save them and help them, OR we can humbly run to the Lord as our guaranteed strong tower of refuge. Salvation is only through Jesus Christ. And in maintaining a humble heart, we will receive His blessings. Even though we will stumble in our walk with the Lord, as verse 14 says, our salvation is secure. Because of His grace, we can keep running back to Him! So, even though we will struggle, God wants to help us and guide us towards having a fruitful life.
Now, pretty much everyone wants to have a life of peace, happiness, purpose, success and fulfillment. And our choices in life will either hurt us or help bring us closer to realizing these dreams, goals and aspirations. And this chapter gives us some insights into which choices work, and which choices do not work.
These are things that lead to violent and unsettling lives: Favoring the wicked and the criminals, while hurting the innocent and the righteous. Being contentious will only invite opposition and strife. Speaking before listening will lead to many misunderstandings. And being haughty, defiant and arrogant will offend others; and depending on who that is, the negative consequences will vary. It is never positive.
These are things that lead to lonely, insecure lives: Only living for oneself causes one to argue against anything which might interfere with that, even if the advice would actually benefit them. Being selfish and self-centered has one believing that the world owes them. So, those poor in character tend to beg for things. In trying to feel better about themselves, they will gossip and slander, and show contempt, taunt and argue, which will only push more people away. Anyone lazy, selfish and foolish will not want to hear or understand truth, because that would only reveal their personal shortcomings, and then they would have to change somehow.
These are things that lead to shallow and unfulfilling lives: This might sound weird, but having too many friends! Think about it, to become famous and popular, requires a person to compromise their character, because one is intent on appealing to everyone. You'd think that this would be fulfilling, but how can it be, because your fans are only "loving you" because of what you do for them.
So, what are the things that lead to a fulfilling and secure life? It is to be born again by humbly accepting and embracing Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Continually run to the Lord to be our refuge and strength, and He will heal and refresh our spirit. Study and trust in the Lord's word which will bring us knowledge and discernment. Be content in the Lord's grace and joy which will help us be gracious. Consider our spouse as is a gift and a blessing from the Lord. Apply God's love and wisdom, and in Him, our relationships will be strengthened and nourished. Be with other steadfast believers who will help to mentor, encourage and edify us, so we can do the same for others. Most importantly, continue to grow closer in our relationship with the Lord, who is the only one who can fulfill and satisfy our lives!
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