Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21
18:1 This proverb condemns any person who isolates himself from the community for selfish reasons. Such a recluse is so intolerant of anyone who disagrees with him that he finds fault with all wise judgment.
1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.
18:8 The words of a talebearer are like delicious sweets. Although they are fun to eat, they ruin the person’s health. Gossip is fun to listen to, but the stories damage the listener’s inmost body, or soul.
8 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.
18:10, 11 The phrase name of the Lord is a way of speaking of God’s person. The righteous turn to God for security. Rich people, by contrast, tend to trust their wealth. Safe: God’s protection is a prominent theme in Scripture.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. 11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own esteem.
18:12 The Hebrew word for haughty, ordinarily negative, can also be used positively to mean courage and daring (see 2 Chr. 17:6). The path to honor, which the proud so covet, is humility.
12 Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility.
18:14 This proverb affirms the value of coping skills. Sickness can be overcome, but there is no medicine for a broken spirit.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?
18:18 Whenever both sides agree on the method of settling a dispute, that method is a means to peace. The casting of lots was a biblical pattern for assistance in decision-making. Behind the lots was the sovereign power of God.
18 Casting lots causes contentions to cease, And keeps the mighty apart.
18:20, 21 stomach… mouth: Inner satisfaction comes from true and good speech. Death and life: The words people say wield great power (see James 3:2).
20 A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth, From the produce of his lips he shall be filled. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. James 3:2
18:22 favor: Problems in marriage arise from breakdowns in communication or mutual respect, not from some flaw in marriage itself.
22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the Lord. 23 The poor man uses entreaties, But the rich answers roughly.
18:24 The phrase “a man of many companions” is characterization. It means a person who indiscriminately multiplies superficial acquaintanceships. He or she is criticized for failing to realize that what really counts is investing time in building deeper, caring relationships with people who will remain faithful no matter what happens.
24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
** Without the words of God, we would be believing the words of the wicked. Their deceiving words may sound very convincing. But they will lead us to emptiness, despair and final judgment. So, whom do we listen to is a matter of life and death. It’s not enough to own an antidote. We should drink it.
18 1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.
2 A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart.
3 When the wicked comes, contempt comes also; And with dishonor comes reproach.
4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.
5 It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, Or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows. 7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.
9 He who is slothful in his work Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.
11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own esteem.
12 Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility.
13 He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?
15 The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.
17 The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him.
18 Casting lots causes contentions to cease, And keeps the mighty apart.
19 A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.
20 A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth, From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.
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 The poor man uses entreaties, But the rich answers roughly.
24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
