18:8Itis as hard to refuse to listen to rumors and gossip as it is to turn down a delicious dessert. Taking just one morsel of either one creates a taste for more. You can resist rumors the same way a determined dieter resists candy—never even open the box. If you don’t nibble on the first bite of gossip, you can't take the second and the third.
Life Application Study BibleProverbsChapter 18
Proverbs 18
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 1032, 1033, 1034
A few verse numbers on this page were hard to read in the scan and are marked with a dotted underline — compare with the original page image if in doubt.
18Proverbs 18
1‘Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense. 2Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. 3Doing wrong leads to disgrace, and scandalous behavior brings contempt. 4Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.
5It is not right to acquit the guiltyor deny justice to the innocent.
6Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating. 17:25 Hebrew A foolish son.
7The mouths of fools are their ruin;they trap themselves with their lips.
8Rumors are dainty morselsthat sink deep into one’s heart.
9A lazy person is as bad assomeone who destroys things.
10The name of the LORD is a strong fortress;the godly run to him and are safe.
11The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.
12Haughtiness goes before destruction;humility precedes honor.
13Spouting off before listening to the factsis both shameful and foolish.
14The human spirit can endure a sick body,but who can bear a crushed spirit?
15Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.
16Giving a gift can open doors;it gives access to important people!
17The first to speak in court sounds right—until the cross-examination begins.
18Casting lots can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents. 19An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.
20Wise words satisfy like a good meal;the right words bring satisfaction.
21The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. 22The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD.
23The poor plead for mercy;the rich answer with insults.
24There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. 1 9 1Better to be poor and honest
Life Application Notes 6 notes
18:11In imagining that their wealth is their strongest defense, rich people are sadly mistaken. Money cannot provide safety— there are too many ways for it to lose its power. The government may cease to back it; thieves may steal it; inflation may rob it of all value. But God never loses his power. He is always dependable. Where do you look for security and safety—uncertain wealth or God who is always faithful?
18:13,15,17These concise statements give three basic principles for making sound decisions: (1) Get the facts before answering; (2) be open to new ideas; (3) make sure you hear both sides of a story before judging. All three principles center around seeking additional information. This is difficult work, but the only alternative is prejudice—judging before getting the facts.
18:22This verse is stating that marriage should be enjoyed and viewed as a great gift from God. God created marriage for our enjoyment, and he pronounced it good. Married people need to see their marriages as great treasures—guarding and protecting them as such. This is one of many passages in the Bible that show marriage as a joyful and good creation of God (Genesis 2:21-25; Proverbs 5:15-19; John 2:1-11).
18:23This verse does not condone insulting the poor; it is simply recording an unfortunate fact of life. It is wrong for rich people to treat the less fortunate with contempt and arrogance, and God will judge such actions severely (see 14:31).
18:24Loneliness is everywhere—many people feel cut off and alienated from others. Being in a crowd just makes people more aware of their isolation. We all need friends who will stick close, listen, care, and offer help when it is needed—in good times and bad. It is better to have one such friend than dozens of superficial acquaintances. Instead of wishing you could find a true friend, seek to become one. If you look around, you'll find people who need your friendship. Ask God to reveal.them to you, and then take on the challenge of being a true friend.
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Study feature · page 1033
HUMILITY AND PRIDE
Results of...
Humility Leads to wisdom Takes advice Pride Leads to disgrace Leads to conflict
Leads to honor
Leads to punishment
Leads to destruction
Ends in honor.
Brings honor
Proverbs is direct and forceful in rejecting pride. The proud attitude heads the list of seven things God hates (6:16, 17). The harmful results of pride are constantly contrasted with humility and its benefits.