Proverbs, 18

Word of God Pride Wisdom God Health Gossip Learning Friendship Materialism Evil Righteousness Strength Suffering Blessing Fruitfulness Judgment Desires Safety Almighty Protection Marriage Honesty Understanding Humility Relationships Work Spirit Anger

Proverbs 18 reveals that words have tremendous power to build up or tear down, to bring life or death. It encourages us to be careful with our words and to use them wisely, for our words have the potential to deeply impact ourselves and others.

Proverbs, 18

24
verses
●
3
min

Bible version

Words Have Power

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.
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.
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 the LORD 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.
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.
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.
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.
22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Commentary

This chapter emphasizes the importance of self-control and discernment when it comes to speaking. It warns against hasty judgments, gossip, and flattery, which can lead to shame and destruction. Conversely, it highlights the value of wise counsel, humility, and listening to both accurate and opposing viewpoints. The chapter also reminds us that our words can be a source of healing, comfort, and wisdom. Ultimately, Proverbs 18 reinforces the idea that the power of our words lies not only in what we say but also in how we say it.

Meet the heroes of Proverbs, 18

God
God
Download BiblePics Mobile App
Chat with biblical characters

Seek guidance and enter the gateway to biblical wisdom

Chat now
Available for iOS and Android

FAQ

Assuming a reader with an average reading speed of 300 WPM reads the Proverbs, chapter 18 it would take approximately 3 minutes to finish.

There are 24 verses in Proverbs, chapter 18.