BibleTools
Proverbs 18:1
Compare all
1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;
He rages against all1 wise judgment. 
2 A fool has no delight in understanding,
But in expressing his aown heart. 
3 When the wicked comes, contempt comes also;
And with dishonor comes reproach.
4 aThe words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;
bThe wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook. 
5 It is not good to show partiality to the wicked,
Or to overthrow the righteous in ajudgment. 
6 A fool’s lips enter into contention,
And his mouth calls for blows.
7 aA fool’s mouth is his destruction,
And his lips are the snare of his bsoul. 
8 aThe words of a1 talebearer are like tasty trifles,
And they go down into the1 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 atower;
The righteous run to it and are1 safe. 
11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
And like a high wall in his own esteem.
12 aBefore 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 aA 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 alots 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 aA man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth;
From the produce of his lips he shall be filled. 
21 aDeath and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit. 
22 aHe who finds a wife finds a good thing,
And obtains favor from the Lord. 
23 The poor man uses entreaties,
But the rich answers aroughly. 
24 A man who has friends1 must himself be friendly,
aBut there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. 
Commentaries:
Adam Clarke
<< Proverbs 17:28   Proverbs 18:2 >>


Proverbs 18:1

Through desire a man, having separated himself - The original is difficult and obscure. The Vulgate, Septuagint, and Arabic, read as follows: "He who wishes to break with his friend, and seeks occasions or pretenses shall at all times be worthy of blame."

My old MS. Bible translates, Occasioun seeketh that wil go awei fro a freend: at al tyme he schal ben wariable.

Coverdale thus: "Who so hath pleasure to sowe discorde, piketh a quarrel in every thinge."

Bible by Barker, 1615: "Fro the desire thereof he will separate himself to seeke it, and occupie himself in all wisdome." Which has in the margin the following note: "He that loveth wisdom will separate himself from all impediments, and give himself wholly to seek it."

The Hebrew: lethaavah yebakkesh niphrad , bechol tushiyah yithgalla . The nearest translation to the words is perhaps the following: "He who is separated shall seek the desired thing, (i.e., the object of his desire), and shall intermeddle (mingle himself) with all realities or all essential knowledge." He finds that he can make little progress in the investigation of Divine and natural things, if he have much to do with secular or trifliing matters: he therefore separates himself as well from unprofitable pursuits as from frivolous company, and then enters into the spirit of his pursuit; is not satisfied with superficial observances, but examines the substance and essence, as far as possible, of those things which have been the objects of his desire. This appears to me the best meaning: the reader may judge for himself.


 
<< Proverbs 17:28   Proverbs 18:2 >>

DISCLAIMER: Church of the Great God (CGG) provides these resources to aid the individual in studying the Bible. However, it is up to the individual to "prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21). The content of these resources does not necessarily reflect the views of CGG. They are provided for information purposes only.

Join 137,255+ readers

A Verse and a Thought,
Every Morning

Consistent Bible study is hard to start.

The Berean gives you the starting point: one scripture and a focused commentary in your inbox each morning — read it in minutes, or go as deep as you like.

Free, daily, and spam-free. We never share your address. Unsubscribe anytime.

Close
E-mail This Page