A 31 Day Journey Through the Book of Proverbs: Day 18
Proverbs 18
Contrast the Upright and the Wicked
1 He who separates himself seeks his own desire, he quarrels against all sound wisdom.
2 A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own mind.
3 When a wicked man comes, contempt also comes, and with dishonor comes scorn.
4 The words of a man’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 thrust aside the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool’s lips bring strife, and his mouth calls for blows.
7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
9 He also who is slack in his work is 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 man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own imagination.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, but humility goes before honor.
13 He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him.
14 The spirit of a man can endure his sickness, but as for a broken spirit who can bear it?
15 The mind 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 to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him.
18 The cast lot puts an end to strife and decides between the mighty ones.
19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a citadel.
20 With the fruit of a man’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 The poor man utters supplications, but the rich man answers roughly.
Reflection
The tongue is a very powerful part of the body, and the Bible has much to say about it. Solomon tells us in verse 21 that “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” That’s a lot of power! Our words can be used for great good, but also great harm, and this is why the Bible teaches us over and over about our words, our tongue, and the way we speak to one another.
Reflect
We have already read about how powerful our words can be. What verses talk about words/the mouth in this chapter?
Engage
What are some of the things you’ve learned about words through Proverbs so far?