PROVERBS 18



1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. [A kesil (fool) hath no delight in tevunah (understanding), but only in airing out his lev (mind, opinions).]

3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.

4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

I (Yahoshua) will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: (Psa 78 : 2)

He that believeth on me,‭ ‬as the scripture hath said,‭ ‬out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (Jhn 7: 38)

The spirit of Yahweh is symbolised by flowing water. Wisdom will flow crystal clear, refreshing, as a cleansing stream from the lips of the immortal saints for the healing of the nations, washing and enobling their minds.

The mortal populations will be intelligent, dignified, virtuous and healthy and will daily bless the name of Yahweh. A sea of glass: contentment, calm - the storm has passed, the morning of the 7th day has arrived. Now the earth is at rest for a day [is as a 1000 years] and enjoys its sabbath as also do the saints theirs having concluded their labours. The knowledge of the glory of Yahweh fills the earth as the waters cover the sea.




5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

10 The name of Yahweh is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.

12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

Put Yahweh first, others second, then ourselves

13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?



15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

The general sterility of human character is due as much as anything to the absence of reverence and gratitude to the Eternal. This, of course, is due to the absence of enlightenment...

Bro Roberts - 'The building up of lively stones'



16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.

Thou hypocrite,‭ ‬first cast out the beam out of thine own eye‭; ‬and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. (Matt 7:5)

The Lord Yahoshua is the 'good' neighbour of the samaritan parable who searches the heart ...

Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him...

And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. (Lk 10: 36,37)




18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.

19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.




21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

But I say unto you,‭ ‬That every idle word that men shall speak,‭ ‬they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.‭ ‬ For by thy words thou shalt be justified,‭ ‬and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. (Matt 12:37).


By the medium of speech, Eve was persuaded to transgress the law of God. By the same medium, countless since have been deceived into the way of death. By it, too, many have been led into the way of Truth and Life.

And not only is our course directed by the influence of speech from without, but our own faithful or unfaithful use of this great power will determine our eternal destiny, for here is the key to a man's character and heart.

Bro Growcott - BYT 1.4.



22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of Yahweh.

It‭ ‬is not good that the man should be alone‭; ‬I will make him an help meet for him. (Gen 2:18)



23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.

‬Do not rich men oppress you (Jms 2: 6)

24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.