FRIENDS AND FOES PROVERBS 18:1-24 - Bible Study …biblestudyworkshop.com/download/old/proverbs/Proverbs 18.pdf · FRIENDS AND FOES PROVERBS 18:1-24 . ... Z. friendship Note: Titles

http://www.biblestudyworkshop.org

Landmark Publications, Inc., 1045 Maynor Street, Nashville, TN., 37216, U.S.A. John C. Sewell, Ph.D., Editor

1

FRIENDS AND FOES

PROVERBS 18:1-24



2

Friends and Foes

Text:

Proverbs 18:1-24,

1 An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends;

he defies all sound judgment.

2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding

but delights in airing his own opinions.

3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt,

and with shame comes disgrace.

4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters,

but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked

or to deprive the innocent of justice.

6 A fool’s lips bring him strife,

and his mouth invites a beating.

7 A fool’s mouth is his undoing,

and his lips are a snare to his soul.

8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;

they go down to a man’s inmost parts.

9 One who is slack in his work

is brother to one who destroys.

10

The name of the LORD is a strong tower;

the righteous run to it and are safe.



3

11

The wealth of the rich is their fortified city;

they imagine it an unscalable wall.

12

Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud,

but humility comes before honor.

13

He who answers before listening—

that is his folly and his shame.

14

A man’s spirit sustains him in sickness,

but a crushed spirit who can bear?

15

The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge;

the ears of the wise seek it out.

16

A gift opens the way for the giver

and ushers him into the presence of the great.

17

The first to present his case seems right,

till another comes forward and questions him.

18

Casting the lot settles disputes

and keeps strong opponents apart.

19

An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city,

and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.

20

From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled;

with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.

21

The tongue has the power of life and death,

and those who love it will eat its fruit.

22

He who finds a wife finds what is good

and receives favor from the LORD.



4

23

A poor man pleads for mercy,

but a rich man answers harshly.

24

A man of many companions may come to ruin,

but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Introduction:

I. Proverbs 18 addresses such subjects as:

A. unfriendliness

B. selfishness

C. sound judgment

D. foolishness

E. wickedness

F. shame and disgrace

G. speech

H. wisdom

I. partiality

J. deprivation of justice

K. strife

L. talebearing



5

M. laziness

N. righteousness

O. wealth

P. pride

Q. humility

R. importance of careful listening

S. optimism – pessimism

T. use of gifts

U. objectivity regarding evidence

V. casting lots

W. reconciliation

X. value of a good wife

Y. pleading for mercy

Z. friendship

Note: Titles are based on James F Smith’s, The Wisdom Literature and

Psalms.

II. Obtaining favor with God requires that we carefully observe the

important, essential principles presented in Proverbs 18!



6

Commentary:

Speech and Friendship*

Proverbs 18:1, An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all

sound judgment. (NIV)

I. An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends;…

A. Smith referred to this as Arrogant Speech.

B. The person described here cares nothing for others, but is totally

concerned about his own selfish interests. (See Smith.)

1. Jude 1:19, These are the men who divide you, who

follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

(NIV)

2. Proverbs 17:19, He who loves a quarrel loves sin; he

who builds a high gate invites destruction. (NIV)

C. Bland suggested that, “The sense is of one who goes his or her

own way. Such a person does not acknowledge the value of

community.”

D. Clarke wrote, “The Vulgate, Septuagint, and Arabic read as

follows: ‘He who wishes to break with his friend and seeks

occasions or pretences, shall at all times be worthy of blame.”

Note*: Bland wrote, “…verse 1 is difficult to translate.”

II. he defies all sound judgment.

A. Such a person has no interest in learning what is true or false,

right or wrong, wise or foolish. (See Smith.)



7

B. Bland explains this to mean “the unfriendly man” rejects,

defies conventional wisdom.

1. Proverbs 2:7, He holds victory in store for the upright,

he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, (NIV)

2. Proverbs 3:21, My son, preserve sound judgment and

discernment, do not let them out of your sight; (NIV)

3. Proverbs 8:14, Counsel and sound judgment are mine;

I have understanding and power. (NIV)

4. These people, Bland wrote, think “they do not need the

insights or understanding of others. They are sufficient unto

themselves.”

C. Coffman paraphrased this difficult verse as follows: “When any

man wishes to separate himself from former friends, he will seek

some pretext for doing so; but his behavior is altogether

reprehensible.”

D. The Pulpit Commentary says “this is a difficult verse, and has

obtained various interpretations.”

Proverbs 18:2, A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but

delights in airing his own opinions. (NIV)

I. A fool finds no pleasure in understanding…..

A. This verse expresses a similar idea as verse 1; that is, “fools

take delight in hearing themselves talk” and do not seek wisdom

“through interaction with the wisdom of others.” (Bland)



8

B. “A fool has no pleasure in what is reasonable, but only in self-

display.” (The Bible, An American Translation via Coffman)

1. The Pulpit Commentary states, “This may mean that he

takes no pleasure in the wisdom of others, is self-

opinionated…”

2. “To try to teach a fool is to cast pearls before swine, and to

give that which is holy unto dogs,” The Pulpit Commentary

states.

II. but delights in airing his own opinions.

A. The thing that is important to this person is his own opinions

about everything; he is un-swayed by the views of others and lets

everyone else know his views on all subjects.

1. Proverbs 12:23, A prudent man keeps his knowledge

to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly. (NIV)

2. Proverbs 13:16, Every prudent man acts out of

knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly. (NIV)

3. Proverbs 15:2, The tongue of the wise commends

knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. (NIV)

Proverbs 18:3, When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with

shame comes disgrace. (NIV)

I. When wickedness comes, so does contempt, …

A. Smith referenced this as contemptuous speech.

B. Contempt follow wickedness.



9

C. When a person treats “others with disdain, he provokes

hostility and sometimes violence,” Smith wrote.

D. The contempt here is not that with which the sinner is regarded

by others, but that which he heaps upon others and for all things

righteous. (See The Pulpit Commentary.)

1. Psalm 31:18, Let their lying lips be silenced, for with

pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the

righteous. (NIV)

II. and with shame (ignominy) comes disgrace (reproach).

A. Shame and disgrace form a pair; where one is the other is also.

(See Smith.)

B. Smith wrote, “The wicked man has contempt for others, and for

all that is pure, good and lovely.”

1. “All that he says or does brings disgrace,” Smith wrote.

2. McGee wrote, “Some people cause happiness wherever

they go; others, whenever they go.”

3. There are certain people who bring sorrow to the world

wherever they go. (McGee)

C. Contempt, shame and disgrace result from wickedness

(sinfulness), and produce a lack of respect. (Bland)

D. However, The Pulpit Commentary states the shame and

disgrace here is that which the sinner has for those who would

hinder him in his evil activities.



10

Proverbs 12:4, The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters, but the

fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. (NIV)

I.. The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters,…

A. Smith referenced this as Imprecise Speech.

B. The words of an ordinary man are obscure, imprecise, difficult

to be understood, not fresh water good to drink. (See Smith.)

C. “Deep waters” may refer to that which is incomprehensible or

stagnant, to that which is incomprehensible; that is, if lines one and

two of verse 4 are antithetical. (Bland)

D. If, however, Bland wrote “the parallelism is synonymous, then

the image of deep waters is positive and means a wise person

speaks profound words which cannot be fathomed.”

1. Proverbs 20:5, The purposes of a man’s heart are deep

waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.

(NIV)

2. Proverbs 27:19, As water reflects a face, so a man’s

heart reflects the man. (NIV)

E. The two clauses contrast man’s teachings (the words of a man’s

mouth) with the true wisdom. (Coffman)

1. “Deep waters in the Old Testament are associated with the

thoughts of darkness and mystery.” (Coffman)

a. Psalm 59:2, Deliver me from evildoers and save

me from bloodthirsty men. (NIV)



11

b. Ecclesiastes 7:24, Whatever wisdom may be, it is

far off and most profound—who can discover it?

(NIV)

c. Proverbs 20:3, It is to a man’s honor to avoid

strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. (NIV)

II. but the fountain (wellspring) of wisdom is a bubbling (flowing)

brook.

A. “A wise man is a fountain of wisdom.” A person can drink of

that water and be refreshed. The words issuing from the mouth of

the wise are understood and are a benefit to all who hear them.

(See Smith.)

B. “Wisdom is a constant source of refreshment.” (Bland)

C. “True wisdom (God’s words) is like the happy sparkling waters

of a flowing brook.” (Coffman)

1. John 7:37-38, On the last and greatest day of the Feast,

Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty,

let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as

the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow

from within him.” (NIV)

Proverbs 18:5, It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive

the innocent of justice. (NIV)

I. It is not good to be partial to the wicked….

A. Smith referenced this as unjust speech.



12

B. Smith understood the “wicked” here to be the guilty party in a

court case.

C. Partiality is totally out of place in a court of law.

1. “Equal justice under law” is the goal.

2. Our attitudes and decisions must be determined by the

facts in the case only, not by appearance, family, charisma,

influential friends, etc.

a. Leviticus 19:15, “‘Do not pervert justice; do not

show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the

great, but judge your neighbor fairly. (NIV)

b. Deuteronomy 1:17, Do not show partiality in

judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be

afraid of any man, for judgment belongs to God.

Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear

it. (NIV)

c. Luke 20:21, So the spies questioned him:

“Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is

right, and that you do not show partiality but teach

the way of God in accordance with the truth. (NIV)

d. Galatians 2:6, As for those who seemed to be

important—whatever they were makes no difference

to me; God does not judge by external appearance—

those men added nothing to my message. (NIV)

D. This proverb is one of several “not good” proverbs. (Bland)



13

1. Proverbs 19:2, It is not good to have zeal without

knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way. (NIV)

2. Proverbs 16:29, A violent man entices his neighbor and

leads him down a path that is not good. (NIV)

3. Proverbs 17:26, It is not good to punish an innocent

man, or to flog officials for their integrity. (NIV)

E. “Partial” can be translated “to lift up the face” implying an act

of pardon or forgiveness. (Bland)

1. Proverbs 24:23, These also are sayings of the wise: To

show partiality in judging is not good: (NIV)

2. Proverbs 28:12, When the righteous triumph, there is

great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, men go

into hiding. (NIV)

F. “Partiality was condemned in the law.” (Bland)

1. Leviticus 19:15, “‘Do not pervert justice; do not show

partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge

your neighbor fairly. (NIV)

2. Deuteronomy 1:17, Do not show partiality in judging;

hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of any

man, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too

hard for you, and I will hear it. (NIV)

3. Proverbs 17:15, Acquitting the guilty and condemning

the innocent—the LORD detests them both. (NIV)

II. or to deprive the innocent of justice.



14

A. The “innocent” can be understood as the “righteous”. (See

Smith.)

B. McGee advised, “Do not compromise with an evil person or a

lawless person in order to overthrow a righteous person.”

C. To deprive the innocent of justice is blatantly sinful.

1. Isaiah 10:1-2, Woe to those who make unjust laws, to

those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of

their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of

my people, making widows their prey and robbing the

fatherless. (NIV)

2. Proverbs 17:26, It is not good to punish an innocent

man, or to flog officials for their integrity. (NIV)

Proverbs 18:6, A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a

beating. (NIV)

I. A fool’s lips bring him strife (contention, quarrel), …

A. Smith references this as Contentious Speech.

B. Smith well wrote, “A fool’s talk results in personal quarrels or

even lawsuits. He meddles with disputes in which he is not

concerned, and by his silly interference not only exposes himself to

reprisals, but also exacerbates the original difficulty.”

1. Psalm 66:13, I will come to your temple with burnt

offerings and fulfill my vows to you— (NIV)

C. “When some fool starts an argument, he is asking for a

beating.” (Good news Bible via Coffman)



15

II. and his mouth invites a beating (strokes).

A. Because of such unwise verbal behavior, the fool may be beaten

by an offended person or scourged by court order. (See Smith.)

B. “A fool’s lips and mouth result in increasing trouble,” especially

for himself (Bland), even beatings.

1. Proverbs 19:29, Penalties are prepared for mockers,

and beatings for the backs of fools. (NIV)

2. James 3:1-12, Not many of you should presume to be

teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who

teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in

many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he

is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them

obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as

an example. Although they are so large and are driven by

strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder

wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a

small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.

Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small

spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the

parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the

whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by

hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of

the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but

no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of

deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and

Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in



16

God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and

cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh

water and salt water flow from the same spring? My

brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear

figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

(NIV)

C. Coffman reminded us that fools called for a “beating” to be

inflicted on our Lord by demanding, “Let him be crucified!”

1. The fool’s mouth leads to harm for himself and others!

Proverbs 12:7, A fool’s mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a

snare to his soul. (NIV)

I. A fool’s mouth is his undoing (ruin, destruction), …

A. Smith explained this verse well by saying, “A fool’s word gets

him into trouble.”

1. Proverbs 10:14, Wise men store up knowledge, but the

mouth of a fool invites ruin. (NIV)

2. Proverbs 13:3, He who guards his lips guards his

life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. (NIV)

B. Irresponsible speech is dangerous! (Coffman)

II. and his lips are a snare to his soul (life, to the person himself).

A. McGee wrote that fools are a continuing source of trouble,

“stirring up contention, issuing complaints, finding fault.”

B. Related Scriptures:



17

1. Proverbs 12:13, An evil man is trapped by his sinful

talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble. (NIV)

2. Proverbs 13:14, The teaching of the wise is a fountain

of life, turning a man from the snares of death. (NIV)

3. Proverbs 14:27, The fear of the LORD is a fountain of

life, turning a man from the snares of death. (NIV)

4. Proverbs 17:28, Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps

silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. (NIV)

Proverbs 18:8, The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go

down to a man’s inmost parts. (NIV)

I. The words of a gossip (whisperer, talebearer) are like choice

morsels;…

A. Smith referenced this as Gossip Speech.

B. Smith wrote, “The juicy tidbits of gossip are eagerly devoured

(relished to the fullest) by persons disposed to listen to them, as a

glutton helps himself freely to tempting food.”

C. This parable is duplicated in Proverbs 26:22, The words of a

gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost

parts. (NIV)

1.Proverbs 19:28, A corrupt witness mocks at justice, and

the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil. (NIV)

2. Job 34:7, What man is like Job, who drinks scorn like

water? (NIV)



18

D. Bland wrote, “Gossip is compared to junk food. It is quite

tasty.”… but it certainly is poor nutrition.

E. Listening to gossip is condemned as sinful in this scripture.

(See Coffman.)

II. they go down to a man’s inmost parts.

A. These words of the gossip are regrettably taken seriously by the

listeners and do permanent damage to the slandered person.

B. Gossip is harmful to all concerned, to those who tell it, to those

about whom it is told and to those who believe it.

1. Proverbs 20:17, 30, Food gained by fraud tastes sweet

to a man, but he ends up with a mouth full of gravel.

Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge

the inmost being. (NIV)

2. Proverbs 19:15, Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the

shiftless man goes hungry. (NIV)

Actions Conducive to Friendship*

Proverbs 18:9, One who is slack in his work is brother to one who

destroys. (NIV)

I. One who is slack in his work is brother to one who (is a great waster)

destroys (his property).

A. Smith observed that a dilatory (lazy) worker ruins his

livelihood as surely as a landowner reduces himself to poverty if

he neglects his property.



19

1. “The proverb implies that negligence in duty is as

dangerous as actual destructiveness,” Smith wrote.

B. This refers to the sluggard. (Bland)

1. Proverbs 6:6-11, Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider

its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer

or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers

its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you

sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little

sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to

rest—and poverty will come on you like a bandit and

scarcity like an armed man. (NIV)

2. Proverbs 26:13-16, The sluggard says, “There is a lion

in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!” As a door

turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed. The

sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to

bring it back to his mouth. The sluggard is wiser in his

own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly. (NIV)

3. “Indolence is associated with the destroyer.” (Bland)

4. “Simply by negligence, individuals bring harm to the

community.” (Bland)

C. Both laziness and wastefulness lead to proverty. (Jamieson,

Fausset and Brown Commentary on the Whole Bible via Coffman)

1. Going to work on a job for twenty or thirty years in which

you do not have a keen interest is robbery, robbery of your

employer of your best efforts and robbery of yourself of all

those years of happiness that otherwise would have been

yours!



20

2. “Going through the motions” is no way to live!

D. Brother, as used here, means companion, one of like attitudes

and tendencies. (The Pulpit Commentary)

1. Proverbs 28:24, He who robs his father or mother and

says, “It’s not wrong”—he is partner to him who

destroys. (NIV)

2. Job 30:29, I have become a brother of jackals, a

companion of owls. (NIV)

Proverbs 18:10, The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the

righteous run to it and are safe. (NIV)

I. The name of the Lord is a strong tower;…

A. The name of the Lord with all that names represents (God’s

love, mercy, power, knowledge), is a strong tower (sure refuge) to

which godly people go for refuge. (See Smith and The Pulpit

Commentary)

1. Psalm 61:3, For you have been my refuge, a strong

tower against the foe. (NIV)

B. Verses 10 and 11 are connected by the words safe and

unscalable and strong tower and fortified city and “are a good

example of ‘conflicting proverbs being placed side-by-side,” Bland

wrote.

1. For another example of conflicting proverbs, see:



21

a. Proverbs 26:4-5, Do not answer a fool according

to his folly, or you will be like him yourself. Answer

a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his

own eyes. (NIV)

2. Verses 10 and 11 contrast trust in God with trust in

wealth. (Bland)

II. the righteous run into it (the tower, citadel) and are safe.

A. “What a strong fortress is to the besieged, so is God to his

persecuted, tempted and afflicted followers.” (Clarke via

Coffman)

1. Psalm 61:3, For you have been my refuge, a strong

tower against the foe. (NIV)

Proverbs 18:11, The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they

imagine it an unscalable wall. (NIV)

I. The wealth of the rich is their fortified (strong) city;…

A. “Wealth affords protection, but if that wealth is misued the

protection is illusionary,” Smith wrote.

1. Proverbs 10:15, The wealth of the rich is their fortified

city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor. (NIV)

B. Bland wrote, “If one goes with the RSV, then verse 10

contrasts with verse 11. If one stays with the NIV translation, then

verse 1 affirms verse 11.”

1. In both cases, the message is that God is the only one who

provides ultimate and long lasting security.



22

II. they imagine it an unscalable wall.

A. Smith further wrote, “The fool imagines that his wealth is an

unassailable defense which will preserve him amid all the storms

of life. Such is not the case.”

1. The rich man imagines that his wealth is an unassailable

defense (The Pulpit Commentary)

2. This unscalable wall will one day fall on the wicked who

have regarded it as their protection. (See Smith.)

B. Wealth can be a great help in many of life’s troubles, but it is of

absolutely no benefit when death demands our souls! … and all

the world’s money will not lower the temperature of hell by one

(1) degree!

1. Luke 12:13-21, Someone in the crowd said to him,

“Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with

me.” Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or

an arbiter between you?” Then he said to them, “Watch

out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s

life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain

rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself,

‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’

“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my

barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my

grain and my goods. And I’ll say to myself, “You have

plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life

easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’ “But God said to him,

‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded



23

from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for

yourself?’ “This is how it will be with anyone who stores

up things for himself but is not rich toward God.” (NIV)

2. Luke 16:19-31, “There was a rich man who was

dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every

day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus,

covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the

rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

“The time came when the beggar died and the angels

carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died

and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he

looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by

his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity

on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in

water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this

fire.’ “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your

lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus

received bad things, but now he is comforted here and

you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you

a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to

go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over

from there to us.’ “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father,

send Lazarus to my father’s house, for I have five

brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also

come to this place of torment.’ “Abraham replied, ‘They

have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’

“‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the

dead goes to them, they will repent.’ “He said to him, ‘If

they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not

be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.” (NIV)



24

Proverbs 18:12, Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but

humility comes before honor. (NIV)

I. Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud,…

A. Compare this verse with:

1. Proverbs 16:18, Pride goes before destruction, a

haughty spirit before a fall. (NIV)

2. Proverbs 15:33, The fear of the LORD teaches a man

wisdom, and humility comes before honor. (NIV)

B. Bland wrote, “The proverbs were quite flexible in their use.

They adjust to fit the occasion.”

1. Proverbs 10:5-6, Pride goes before destruction, a

haughty spirit before a fall. (NIV)

2. Proverbs 17:3, The crucible for silver and the furnace

for gold, but the LORD tests the heart. (NIV)

II. but humility comes before honor.

A. “Pride and haughtiness are frequently condemned in Proverbs;

and humility is often cited as the necessary predecessor of honor.”

(Coffman)

Proverbs 18:13, He who answers before listening— that is his folly

and his shame. (NIV)

I. He who answers before listening –

A. “A wise person does not interrupt the speech of his fellow, and

is not hasty to respond to his proposals,” Smith wrote.



25

1. “Answer not before you have heard the cause; neither

interrupt men in the middle of their talk.” (The Pulpit

Commentary, Ecclus 11:8)

B. Bland well wrote that a person who answers without listening

does not have regard, respect for the value of other’s insight. Such

a person is a fool.

C. A wise person carefully considers all available information,

evidence before making a decision.

II. that is his folly and his shame.

A. Talking without listening and without careful thought to what

is being said is foolish and shameful.

B. Coffman quoting the New English Bible wrote, “To answer a

question before you have heard it out is both stupid and insulting.”

C. Passing judgment prematurely, with prejudice or without all the

facts is foolish and shameful!

Proverbs 18:14, A man’s spirit sustains him in sickness, but a

crushed spirit who can bear? (NIV)

I. A man’s spirit sustains him in sickness,….

A. Smith wrote, “Willpower and determination can counterbalance

physical weakness and enable a person to win the day.”

1. Here the word spirit is masculine. (Smith)



26

2. Nehemiah 8:10, Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice

food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have

nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not

grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (NIV)

3. “Joy is the flag that is flown in the heart when the Master

is in residence.” (McGee)

B. This proverb has a psychological aspect as do certain other

proverbs.

1. Proverbs 15:13, A happy heart makes the face cheerful,

but heartache crushes the spirit. (NIV)

2. Proverbs 17:22, A cheerful heart is good medicine, but

a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (NIV)

3. Proverbs 12:25, An anxious heart weighs a man down,

but a kind word cheers him up. (NIV)

4. Often the contrast is between a cheerful heart and a

crushed spirit while in Proverbs 18:14 the contrast is simply

between a spirit and a crushed spirit. (Bland)

5. A healthy positive attitude is contrasted with a negative

attitude, depression.

II. but a crushed (broken) spirit who can bear?

A. Here the word spirit is feminine.

B. Smith wrote, “The implication is that believers should be as

reticent to wound a brother’s spirit as they would be to injure his

body.”



27

C. A broken spirit is a serious illness and may be an irreparable

condition most difficult to endure.

D. “Men with a strong spirit are able to overcome misfortunes and

even serious illness; but without such inner determination, faith

and courage, it is much more difficult or even impossible” to

overcome life’s trouble. (Coffman)

E. Mind, body and soul are inter-related. Each can affect the

health of the others.

F. We should be as careful not to wound a brother’s spirit as we

are to refrain from doing bodily harm to another. (The Pulpit

Commentary)

Dealing with Disputes*

Proverbs 18:15, The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the

ears of the wise seek it out. (NIV)

I. The heart of the discerning (prudent) acquires knowledge,…

A. Wise, discerning people seek and acquire knowledge.

1. Proverbs 15:14, The discerning heart seeks knowledge,

but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. (NIV)

2. Proverbs 1:5, let the wise listen and add to their

learning, and let the discerning get guidance— (NIV)

B. I Corinthians 8:2, The man who thinks he knows something

does not yet know as he ought to know. (NIV)



28

1. Realizing his need for knowledge, the wise set about to

acquire more knowledge.

II. the ears of the wise seek it out.

A. The ears of the wise are receptive to instruction.

B. To discern, understand a person must have a receptive mind

(inner organ) and listening ears (outer organs). (See Bland.)

1. I Kings 3:9, So give your servant a discerning heart to

govern your people and to distinguish between right and

wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of

yours?” (NIV)

Proverbs 18:16, A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him

into the presence of the great. (NIV)

I. A gift opens the way for the giver…

A. Smith wrote, “The gift is not necessarily a bribe; it could be a

present given to persons of influence by one who needs their help

to achieve his purpose.” (The Pulpit Commentary agrees.)

1. Proverbs 19:6, Many curry favor with a ruler,

and everyone is the friend of a man who gives gifts. (NIV)

B. Bland wrote that if a bribe is in view here, the proverb is

simply an observation without moral evaluation, but if a gift is in

view, the proverb can be viewed as a way to achieve goals and

ingratiate ourselves to these in a position to assist us.

C. Bland names three kinds of gifts:

1. deceptive gifts which corrupt the process of justice.



29

2. social etiquette gifts.

3. gifts designed to accomplish worthy purposes.

4. Related Scriptures:

a. Proverbs 17:8, 23, A bribe is a charm to the one

who gives it; wherever he turns, he succeeds. A

wicked man accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the

course of justice. (NIV)

b. Proverbs 21:24, The proud and arrogant man—

“Mocker” is his name; he behaves with overweening

pride. (NIV)

D. Coffman understood this verse to mean “that gifts from

benevolent people (such as philanthropists) are effective in

bringing honor to the giver.”

1. If a gift is promised, it should not be withheld.

a. Proverbs 25:14, Like clouds and wind without

rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give.

(NIV)

II. and ushers him into the presence of the great.

A. Smith wrote, “In view here is the oriental custom of offering

suitable gifts to one in authority when a favor or an audience is

desired.”

1. Matthew 2:11, On coming to the house, they saw the

child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and



30

worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and

presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of

myrrh. (NIV)

2. Luke 16:9, I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends

for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be

welcomed into eternal dwellings. (NIV)

B. The Pulpit Commentary states, “The Oriental custom of

offering suitable gifts to one in authority when a favor or an

audience is desired is alluded to here.”

1. I Samuel 10:27, But some troublemakers said, “How

can this fellow save us?” They despised him and brought

him no gifts. But Saul kept silent. (NIV)

2. I Kings 4:21, And Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms

from the River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the

border of Egypt. These countries brought tribute and

were Solomon’s subjects all his life. (NIV)

3. I Kings 10:25, Year after year, everyone who came

brought a gift—articles of silver and gold, robes, weapons

and spices, and horses and mules. (NIV)

C. McGee reminded us that the New Testament speaks of gifts of

the Holy Spirit.

1. Appropriate gifts presented from wholesome motives are

wonderful things!

2. God is the greatest giver of all!

Proverbs 18:17, The first to present his case seems right, till another

comes forward and questions him. (NIV)



31

I. The first to present his case seems right,…

A. “One tale is good till another is told, an old proverb via

Coffman states.

B. The first to present his case seems right and reasonable, but

presentations from the other side may change our opinions.

II. till another comes forward and questions him..

A. Judges and juries must not reach a decision until both sides

have been presented and all evidence fairly considered!

1. Proverbs 28:11, A rich man may be wise in his own

eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through

him. (NIV)

2. Matthew 5:25-26, “Settle matters quickly with your

adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are

still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the

judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer,

and you may be thrown into prison. I tell you the truth,

you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

(NIV)

Proverbs 18:18, Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong

opponents apart. (NIV)

I. Casting the lot settles disputes…

A. In the event the evidence in a case is not decisive, the matter

may be determined by “casting the lot” in the belief that God

would determine the result of “casting the lot.” (See Smith.)



32

1. Proverbs 16:33, The lot is cast into the lap, but its every

decision is from the LORD. (NIV)

II. and keeps strong opponents apart.

A. By determining the resolution of the case by a mutually agreed

upon method, strong opponents are kept from battling each other at

great cost and injury. (The Pulpit Commentary)

Proverbs 18:19, An offended brother is more unyielding than a

fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.

(NIV)

I. An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city,…

A. It is most difficult to reconcile offended brothers, more difficult

than attacking and conquering a strong fortified city.

B. Bland noted, “The RSV follows the LXX and translates the

phrase in the first line, ‘A brother helped is like a strong city.”

1. Bland wrote that the word “offended” is correctly

understood as someone who has been snubbed or hurt and is

correctly translated in the NIV as an offended brother.

C. The phrase “is more unyielding” or “is harder to be won” is not

in the original.

1. Various versions translate this verse differently; for

example…

a. “A brother helped by a brother is like a fortified city;

he holds firm as the bars of a castle.” (The Bible, An

American Translation via Coffman)



33

b. “Help your brother, and he will protect you like a

strong city wall; but if you quarrel with him, he will

close his doors to you.” (Good News Bible via

Coffman)

c. Coffman wrote that there is no complete agreement

among the versions as to how this verse should be

translated.

d. “A brother or a once close friend, when injured or

deceived, becomes a potent and irreconcilable enemy.”

(The Pulpit Commentary)

II. and disputes, contentions, are like the barred gates of a citadel, castle.

A. Some disputes are more difficult to resolve than some barred

gates are to breach.

B. Once a friend is offended it is most difficult to heal the hurt and

restore the friendship as it once was! (See Bland.)

1. Proverbs 16:32, Better a patient man than a warrior, a

man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.

(NIV)

2. “They close the door against reconciliation,” The Pulpit

Commentary states.

3. “Friendship once injured is forever lost,” an old English

maxim via The Pulpit Commentary states.



34

C. The Vulgate and Septuagint render this phrase, “Brother aided

by brother is like a strong and high city, and he is powerful as a

well-founded palace.” (See The Pulpit Commentary)

1. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, Two are better than one, because

they have a good return for their work: If one falls down,

his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls

and has no one to help him up! (NIV)

2. Ephesians 4:3, Make every effort to keep the unity of

the Spirit through the bond of peace. (NIV)

Proverbs 18:20, From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is

filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied. (NIV)

I. From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled;…

A. “A person has to bear the responsibility for what his mouth

utters,” Smith explained.

1. Matthew 12:37, For by your words you will be

acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

(NIV)

2. “Words are viewed as something on which a person feeds.

By their consequences words determine a person’s position

and fate,” Smith further wrote.

B. The mouth, lips and tongue are powerful organs of speech.

1. Proverbs 10:18-21, He who conceals his hatred has

lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. When

words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his

tongue is wise. The tongue of the righteous is choice



35

silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. The

lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack

of judgment. (NIV)

2. “A man must accept the consequences of his words, good

or evil.” (The Pulpit Commentary)

II. with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.

A. Proverbs 13:2, From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good

things, but the unfaithful have a craving for violence. (NIV)

B. Wholesome speech brings a wonderful harvest of good things to

a person’s life.

Proverbs 18:21, The tongue has the power of life and death, and

those who love it will eat its fruit. (NIV)

I. The tongue has the power of life and death,…

A. “Under certain circumstances cautious speech may preserve life

just as reckless speech may imperil it.” Smith observed.

B. McGee illustrates this verse by saying:

1. “Your tongue can be used to give out the gospel, and this

will give life.”

2. “It can also be used to say things that would drive people

away from God, which makes it an instrument of death.”

3. The Pulpit Commentary explains, “The tongue, depending

on how it is used, can bring forth life or death.”



36

a. Proverbs 12:18, Reckless words pierce like a

sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

(NIV)

b. Proverbs 26:28, A lying tongue hates those it

hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin. (NIV)

c. Matthew 12:33-37, “Make a tree good and its fruit

will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be

bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34

You

brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say

anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart

the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things

out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man

brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.

But I tell you that men will have to give account on

the day of judgment for every careless word they

have spoken. For by your words you will be

acquitted, and by your words you will be

condemned.” (NIV)

III. and those that love it will eat its fruit.

A. All of us must accept responsibility for the consequences of

how we use our tongues, whether for good or evil. (See Smith.)

B. “One should not fall in love with talking too much,” Coffman

wrote.

Foundation of Friendship*

Proverbs 18:22, He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives

favor from the LORD. (NIV)



37

I. He who finds a wife finds what is good,…

A. ….provided he doesn’t marry a Jezebel, Delilah or Herodias!

1. Ecclesiastes 7:26-28, I find more bitter than death the

woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose

hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape

her, but the sinner she will ensnare. “Look,” says the

Teacher, “this is what I have discovered: “Adding one

thing to another to discover the scheme of things—while I

was still searching but not finding—I found one upright

woman among a thousand, but not one upright woman

among them all. (NIV)

B. However, what is envisioned here is a godly wife, virtuous,

prudent, helpful.

1. A godly wife is a very good thing who helps her husband

find favor with the Lord.

2. Proverbs 12:4, A wife of noble character is her

husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in

his bones. (NIV)

3. Proverbs 19:14, Houses and wealth are inherited from

parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD. (NIV)

4. Proverbs 31:10-31, A wife of noble character who can

find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has

full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She

brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from

afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food

for her family and portions for her servant girls. She



38

considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she

plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously;

her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her

trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at

night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the

spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor

and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she

has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed

in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed

in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the

city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the

land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and

supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with

strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her

tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and

does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and

all her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them

all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a

woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the

reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise

at the city gate. (NIV)

C. The finding of an ideal marital companion takes careful, wise

effort, perhaps over an extended period time.

1. “Finding” an ideal mate is not a simple matter of chance.

II. and receives favor from the Lord.

A. Smith wrote, “A godly marriage also obtains favor of the Lord.”



39

B. It is certainly wise to ask God’s help in finding the ideal

companion.

1. Proverbs 19:14, Houses and wealth are inherited from

parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD. (NIV)

2. Proverbs 16:9, In his heart a man plans his course, but

the LORD determines his steps. (NIV)

C. Bear in mind that we are supposed to get it right the first time!

1. To make a mistake in the selection of a life’s companion

may very well result in years of severe sorrow, pain and

grief.

D. It is very interesting that finding a good wife and obtaining the

favor of the Lord are here placed side by side. (See McGee.)

Proverbs 18:23, A poor man pleads for mercy, but a rich man

answers harshly. (NIV)

I. A poor man pleads for mercy,…

A. From his need the poor man pleads for help. (See Smith.)

B. The Broadman Bible Commentary via Coffman gives the

reading of this verse as, “The poor man has to request things

respectfully, hoping for help in his impoverished condition; but the

rich man does not have to worry about the tone of his voice.”

II. but a rich man answers harshly.

A. “The rich are unsympathetic toward the petitions of the poor,”

Smith wrote.



40

B. Smith well wrote, “This proverb is designed to warn the rich

not to allow wealth to suppress human compassion.”

C. Bland wrote, “This proverb reveals that one’s speech betrays

one’s social class.”

D. Coffman wrote, “Sometimes a wealthy man will display a

haughty attitude with little or no regard for the way in which his

words may be received by others.”

1. It behooves all of us to speak respectfully to others on all

occasions.

2. Nothing of value is achieved by needlessly offending

people.

E. “A poor man pleading humbly for mercy” and “a rich man

answering roughly” are illustrated in certain New Testatment

parables Jesus taught.

1. Luke 16:19-31, “There was a rich man who was

dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every

day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus,

covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the

rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

“The time came when the beggar died and the angels

carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died

and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he

looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by

his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity

on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in

water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this



41

fire.’ “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your

lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus

received bad things, but now he is comforted here and

you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you

a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to

go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over

from there to us.’ “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father,

send Lazarus to my father’s house, for I have five

brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also

come to this place of torment.’ “Abraham replied, ‘They

have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’

“‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the

dead goes to them, they will repent.’ “He said to him, ‘If

they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not

be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.” (NIV)

2. Luke 18:9-14, To some who were confident of their

own righteousness and looked down on everybody else,

Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple

to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The

Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I

thank you that I am not like other men—robbers,

evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I

fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the

tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look

up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have

mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather

than the other, went home justified before God. For

everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who

humbles himself will be exalted.” (NIV)



42

Proverbs 18:24, A man of many companions may come to ruin, but

there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (NIV)

I. A man of many companions may come to ruin (destruction),…

A. “A ‘man of many companions’ signifies one who

indiscriminately multiplies his friends,” Smith wrote.

1. These are “friends” such as the prodigal son made while

in the far county.

a. Luke 15:11-24, Jesus continued: “There was a

man who had two sons. The younger one said to his

father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So

he divided his property between them. “Not long

after that, the younger son got together all he had,

set off for a distant country and there squandered

his wealth in wild living. After he had spent

everything, there was a severe famine in that whole

country, and he began to be in need. So he went and

hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who

sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill

his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating,

but no one gave him anything. “When he came to

his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired

men have food to spare, and here I am starving to

death! 18

I will set out and go back to my father and

say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and

against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your

son; make me like one of your hired men.’ So he got



43

up and went to his father. “But while he was still a

long way off, his father saw him and was filled with

compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his

arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to

him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and

against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your

son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick!

Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on

his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened

calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For

this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was

lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. (NIV)

B. “Some of those friends will do him harm and bring him to ruin,”

Smith wrote.

C. The point here is the quality of friends rather than simply their

number. (See Smith.)

D. McGee well advised, “If you want to have friends, then show

yourself friendly.”

1. McGee then asked, “Are you a friend to your friends?”

E. The person who has as his goal to make as many friends as

possible of bad and good people alike will come to ruin. (See The

Pulpit Commentary.)

II. but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

A. This “friend” is a special friend who can always be counted on

in time of trouble. (See Smith).



44

1. Ruth was such a friend to Naomi.

2. Proverbs 27:10, Do not forsake your friend and the

friend of your father, and do not go to your brother’s

house when disaster strikes you—better a neighbor

nearby than a brother far away. (NIV)

3. Proverbs 17:17, A friend loves at all times, and a

brother is born for adversity. (NIV)

B. The ultimate friend who sticks closer than a brother is Jesus

Christ!

1. John 15:14, You are my friends if you do what I

command. (NIV)

2. Hebrews 13:5, Keep your lives free from the love of

money and be content with what you have, because God

has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake

you.” (NIV)

C. Bland concluded, “The contrast is between casual friends on

the one hand and a close friend on the other; it is a contrast

between the appearance of friendship and real friendship.”

D. The Revised Standard Version via Coffman renders this verse

as follows: “There are friends who pretend to be friends, but there

is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Conclusion:

I. The proverbs of Solomon will make a tremendous difference in our

lives for good if we diligently apply them to our daily conduct and

attitudes.



45

A. To this point, how much difference has this study made in your

life?

B. What life changes have you made so far?

C. What other life changes do you know you need to make?



46

Questions

Proverbs 18:1-24

(Questions based on NIV text)

1. What subjects are addressed in Proverbs 18? ____________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

2. ____________ ____________ with ____________ requires that we

____________ ____________ the ____________, ____________

____________ presented in Proverbs 18!

3. The person described in Proverbs 18:1 ____________ ____________

for ____________, but is ___________ ____________ about his

____________ ____________ ___________.

4. Such a person ____________ all ____________ ____________ and

has no ____, ____________ or ____________, ____________ or

____________. (See Proverbs 18:1.)

5. “To try to ____________ a ____________ is to ____________

____________ before ____________, and to give that which is

____________ unto ____________” because a ____________ finds no

____________ in ____________.

6. The thing that is ____________ to this person is his ____________

____________ about ____________; he is ____________ by the



47

____________ of others and lets ____________ else ____________ his

____________ on ____________ ___________.

7. In Proverbs 18:3, the ____________ is not that with which the

____________ is regarded by others, but that which he ____________

upon others and for all things ____________. However, when a

____________ ____________ others with ____________ he

____________ ____________ sometimes ____________.

8. The ____________ man has ____________ for others, and for all

that is ____________, _____________ and ____________.

____________, ____________ and ____________ result from

____________.

9. Define ignominy. _________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

10. How can the words of a man’s mouth be compared to deep waters?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

11. What is the “fountain of wisdom” and what is meant by “babbling

brook?” What is the relationship between these two things? _________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________



48

__________________________________________________________

12. In Proverbs 18:1-8, Smith identified several kinds of speech. Name

these kinds of speech. ________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

13. Write four (4) or more “not good” proverbs here. _______________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

14. It is not ____________ to be __________ to the __________. Our

__________ and __________ must be determined by the __________ in

the __________ __________, not by __________, _____________,

___________, ____________, ___________, etc.

15. What does the Bible say about partiality? … about depriving the

innocent of justice? _________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

16. A ____________’s ____________ results in ____________

___________ or even ____________. “When some ____________

starts an ____________, he is asking for a ____________.” (Good

news Bible)



49

17. Because of such ____________ ____________ __________, the

____________ may be ____________ by an ____________

___________ or ____________ by ____________ ____________.

18. Cite ways in which “A fool’s mouth is his undoing,” ruin,

destruction. ________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

19. The _____________’s ____________ are a ____________ to his

____________, a continuing ____________ of ____________, stirring

up ____________, ____________ ____________, ____________

____________.

20. How can the words of a gossip, talebearer be compared to “choice

morsels?” _________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

21. To whom is gossip harmful? _______________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________



50

22. Both ____________ and ____________ lead to ____________.

Define sluggard, slothful and dilatory. __________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

23. What do you waste? How much do you waste? How can you waste

less? _____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

24. What is included in the phrase, “the name of the Lord?” _________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

25. Where can the righteous find safety? ________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

26. Give two (2) or more examples of conflicting proverbs. What is a

conflicting proverb? _________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________



51

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

27. “The ____________ of the ____________ is their ____________

____________; (security)” To what extent is this true?______________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

28. How does pride lead to a man’s fall? How does humility lead to

honor? ____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

29. What is your opinion of people who constantly interrupt others and

give their opinions before getting all the facts? ____________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

30. “____________ with a ____________ ____________ are able to

____________ and even ____________ ____________; but without, or

even ____________,” to ____________ ____________’s

____________. (Coffman)

31. Explain the relationship of mind, body and soul. Define

psychosomatic. _____________________________________________



52

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

32. Do more prudent people or fools drop out of, quit school? Do more

prudent people or fools go to college? Give reasons for your answer. __

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

33. What does it take for a fool to become wise? How many are

successful in making this transition? ____________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

34. Name three kinds of gifts. Which kind of gift is mentioned in

Proverbs 18:16? ____________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

35. Smith wrote that in view here was the _______________

____________ of ____________ ____________ ____________ to one

in ____________ when a ____________ or an ____________ was



53

_____________. Coffman wrote that ______________ from

______________ _______________ (such as a ____________) are

____________ in bringing ____________ to the ____________.

36. ____________ and ____________ must not ____________ a

____________ until ____________ ____________ have been

____________ and ____________ ____________ ____________

____________.

37. In the event the evidence in a case were not decisive, how was the

matter to be determined, a verdict to be reached? How reliable was this

method in reaching the correct verdict? __________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

38. When a brother has been offended, how difficult is it to restore

harmony? List steps you would take to resolve conflicts with an

offended close friend. _______________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

39. A man must ____________ the ____________ of his

____________, ____________ or ____________. ____________ brings

a ____________ ____________ of ____________ things to a

____________’s ____________.

40. Give evidence that the tongue has the power of life and death. _____

__________________________________________________________



54

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

41. How can a person find a really good husband or wife? Be specific

and give step by step details. ___________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

42. What connection is there between finding a wife and receiving

God’s favor? _______________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

43. The ________________ man has to _______________ things

____________, hoping for ____________ in his ____________

____________; but the ____________ man does not have to

____________ about the ____________ of his ____________. It

______________ all of us to ______________ ______________ to

____________ on all ____________. Nothing of ____________ is

____________ by ____________ ____________ ____________.

44. Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of having

many friends with having few friends. __________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________



55

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

45. What differences so far has this study of Proverbs made in your life?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

Documents

FRIENDS AND FOES PROVERBS 18:1-24 - Bible Study …biblestudyworkshop.com/download/old/proverbs/Proverbs 18.pdf · FRIENDS AND FOES PROVERBS 18:1-24 . ... Z. friendship Note: Titles