Explanation: Proverbs 18 contains comparisons and contrasts between the righteous and the wicked. Today's painting depicts a group of friends, which is the subject of verse 24.

          [ THEMATICALLY AND CHRONOLOGICALLY RELATED SCRIPTURES: Proverbs 10. Proverbs 11. Proverbs 12. Proverbs 13. Proverbs 14. Proverbs 15. Proverbs 16. Proverbs 17. Proverbs 18. Proverbs 19. Proverbs 20. Proverbs 21. Proverbs 22. Proverbs 23. Proverbs 24. ]

          [ CHRONOLOGY: GENERAL. Patriarchs (Traditional). Judges # 1. Judges # 2. Kings # 1. Kings # 2. Prophets # 1. Prophets # 2. NT # 1. NT # 2. NT # 3. ]

          [ MAPS: Maps # 1. Maps # 2. Maps # 3. Maps # 4. Maps # 5. ]

          [ COMMENTARIES, ETC: GENERAL: Bible Study Tools; Bible Hub: Study Light; Blue Letter Bible // PSALMS: Monergism: Precept Austin: The Treasury of David; John Gill; John Calvin - Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

          [ MUSIC: GENERAL: The Cyber Hymnal // PSALMS: Genevan Psalter (Instrumental). VARIOUS ARTISTS: Proverbs 18. ]

     The subjects of chapter 18 are these: The first verse describes how certain men interact with wisdom. It may be positively or negatively, depending on how the Hebrew words should be translated. The King James Version apparently takes the positive view and translates it this way: "Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom." The English Standard Version takes the negative view and translates it this way: "Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment." Both translations are plausible. The positive translation means that a man sets himself aside to pursue wisdom. The negative translation means that a man isolates himself from wisdom to pursue his own thinking (1). Whatever is the case with the first verse, the second verse clearly describes a man who has no delight in understanding; he delights only in expressing his own opinion (2). Wickedness brings contempt; and dishonor brings disgrace (3). A man's wisdom is like deep waters and a flowing brook (4). It is not good to accept the wicked and overthrow the righteous in judgment (5). Fools enter into contention and call for a beating (6). A fool's mouth destroy him; and his lips ensnare his soul (7). The words of a talebearer are like wounds which go down into the innermost parts of the belly (8). He who is slothful is a brother to one who is a great waster (9). Calling on the name of the LORD is like running into a strong tower (10). A rich man's wealth is like a strong city and a high wall to him (11). Pride precedes destruction; humility precedes honor (12). It is foolish and shameful to answer a matter before hearing it (13). The spirit of a man will sustain him in his infirmity; but a wounded spirit is extremely hard to endure (14). the prudent gain knowledge; and the wise seek it (15). A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men (16). He who is first in his cause seems just; but his neighbor comes and searches him (17). The lot causes contentions to cease and decides between the mighty (18). An offended brother is like a strong city; and contention is like the bars of a castle (19). The fruit of a man's mouth fills him; and the produce of his lips fills him (20). Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that love it shall eat its fruit (21). Whosoever finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains the favor of the LORD (22). The poor plead; but the rich answer roughly (23). A man with friends must show himself friendly [or, more literally, may come to harm]; but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (24).