Thematic Bible

Proverbs 18:1

He who [willfully] separates himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire,
He quarrels against all sound wisdom.
No Themes for this verse.

Proverbs 18:2


A [closed-minded] fool does not delight in understanding,
But only in revealing his personal opinions [unwittingly displaying his self-indulgence and his stupidity].

Proverbs 18:3


When the wicked man comes [to the depth of evil], contempt [of all that is pure and good] also comes,
And with inner baseness (dishonor) comes outer shame (scorn).

Proverbs 18:4


The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters [copious and difficult to fathom];
The fountain of [mature, godly] wisdom is like a bubbling stream [sparkling, fresh, pure, and life-giving].

Proverbs 18:5


To show respect to the wicked person is not good,
Nor to push aside and deprive the righteous of justice.

Proverbs 18:6


A fool’s lips bring contention and strife,
And his mouth invites a beating.

Proverbs 18:7


A fool’s mouth is his ruin,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.

Proverbs 18:8


The words of a whisperer (gossip) are like dainty morsels [to be greedily eaten];
They go down into the innermost chambers of the body [to be remembered and mused upon].

Proverbs 18:9


He who is careless in his work
Is a brother to him who destroys.

Proverbs 18:10


The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
The righteous runs to it and is safe and set on high [far above evil].

Proverbs 18:11


The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
And like a high wall [of protection] in his own imagination and conceit.

Proverbs 18:12


Before disaster the heart of a man is haughty and filled with self-importance,
But humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 18:13


He who answers before he hears [the facts]—
It is folly and shame to him.

Proverbs 18:14


The spirit of a man sustains him in sickness,
But as for a broken spirit, who can bear it?

Proverbs 18:15


The mind of the prudent [always] acquires knowledge,
And the ear of the wise [always] seeks knowledge.

Proverbs 18:16


A man’s gift [given in love or courtesy] makes room for him
And brings him before great men.

Proverbs 18:17


The first one to plead his case seems right,
Until another comes and cross-examines him.
No Themes for this verse.

Proverbs 18:18


To cast lots puts an end to quarrels
And decides between powerful contenders.

Proverbs 18:19


A brother offended is harder to win over than a fortified city,
And contentions [separating families] are like the bars of a castle.

Proverbs 18:20


A man’s stomach will be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth;
He will be satisfied with the consequence of his words.

Proverbs 18:21


Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.

Proverbs 18:22


He who finds a [true and faithful] wife finds a good thing
And obtains favor and approval from the Lord.

Proverbs 18:23


The poor man pleads,
But the rich man answers roughly.

Proverbs 18:24


The man of too many friends [chosen indiscriminately] will be broken in pieces and come to ruin,
But there is a [true, loving] friend who [is reliable and] sticks closer than a brother.