Prov. 18:5–8 These verses concern the consequences of misusing words. Verses 6 and 7 obviously parallel each other. Gossip and lying can lead to a breakdown of the legal system (v. 5).
Prov. 18:9–12 Verses 10 and 11 describe two types of security: the Lord and riches. Verses 9 and 12 describe two things that bring about one’s destruction: laziness and pride. Taken together, these proverbs teach that riches can give a false sense of security that leads to laziness, pride, and eventually one’s downfall. On the other hand, humility and the fear of God is a great benefit.
Prov. 18:15–19 These proverbs can apply to many settings. Here they seem focused on the courtroom. A judge must have an intelligent heart in order to acquire knowledge about a case (v. 15). A man’s gift (a bribe) interferes with justice, because it gives access to powerful people (v. 16). Wise judges hear all relevant testimony (vv. 15, 17). They let the Lord settle cases that seem unsolvable (v. 18). They realize that family disputes can often be vicious (v. 19).
Prov. 18:18 On whether Christians should cast lots, see note on Acts 1:26.
Prov. 18:22 This verse refers to both the human action (finds) and the divine governance (from the Lord) that results in a marriage. The description of the wife as good agrees with the Lord’s assessment that it was “not good” for Adam to be alone (Gen. 2:18).
Prov. 18:23–19:4 These proverbs observe misfortune from various angles.
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The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy of Scripture. Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry.
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