Proverbs 18

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:17-21

Evils of the tongue and of contention I. THE FOLLY OF HASTE IN DEBATE . ( Proverbs 18:17 .) "One tale is good till another be told." This saw holds good of private life, of lawsuits, of controversies in philosophy and theology. Audi alteram, partem, " Listen to both sides." This is the duty of the judge, or of him who for the time being plays the judicial part. If we are parties in a debate or a suit, then nothing will hold good except to have the "conscience void of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:18

The lot causeth contentions to cease (comp. Proverbs 16:33 ). If this verse is taken in connection with the preceding, it refers to the decision in doubtful cases, where the evidence is conflicting and ordinary investigation fails to elicit the truth satisfactorily. The lot, being considered to show the judgment of God, settled the question. And parteth between the mighty. If it were not for the decision by lot, persons of eminence and power would settle their differences by violent... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:19

A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city. Something must be supplied on which the comparative notion min, "than," depends. So we may understand "resists more," or something similar. A brother or a once close friend, when injured or deceived, becomes a potent and irreconcilable enemy. The idea of the preceding verses is carried on, and the primary thought is still concerning lawsuits and matters brought before a judge. This is shown in the second clause by the use of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:19

Brethren at strife The reference in the text is to— I. A DIFFICULTY EVERYWHERE ACKNOWLEDGED . It seems to have been universally felt that a "brother offended" is very hard indeed "to be won." It is more easy to effect a reconciliation between strangers than between those united by ties of blood. Hence a family feud is usually a very long as well as a very sad one. This does not seem to be a local or a national peculiarity. What Solomon wrote in his land and age might be written... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:20

With the first clause, comp, Proverbs 12:14 , and with the second, Proverbs 13:2 . A man's belly; i.e. himself, his mind and body, equivalent to shall he be filled, or satisfied, in the second clause. A man must accept the consequences of his words, good or evil. The next verse explains this. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:21

Death and life are in the power of the tongue; literally, in the hand of the tongue. The tongue, according as it is used, deals forth life or death; for speech is the picture of the mind (comp. Proverbs 12:18 ; Proverbs 26:28 ). The vast importance of our words may be learned from James 3:1-18 .; and our blessed Lord says expressly ( Matthew 12:36 , etc.), "Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:22

Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing. A good wife is meant, a virtuous, prudent helpmate, as in Proverbs 12:4 ; Proverbs 19:14 ; and 31. The epithet is omitted, because the moralist is thinking of the ideal wife, the one whoso union is blessed, who alone deserves the holy name of wife. Thus in Proverbs 19:4 we had the ideal man spoken of. Septuagint, εὖρε χάριτας , " findeth graces," viz. peace, union, plenty, ruder (see a different view, Ecclesiastes 7:26-28 ). And... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:22

The blessedness of true marriage The Bible does not regard marriage as "a failure," nor does it treat celibacy as a more saintly condition. Even St. Paul, who does not seem to have been a married man, and who is thought by some to undervalue marriage, gives to it a eulogium in describing the union of husband and wife as a copy of the mystical union of Christ and his Church ( Ephesians 5:22-32 ). I. THE BLESSEDNESS OF MARRIAGE . 1 . The companionship of love. The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:22-24

Love in different relations I. CONJUGAL LOVE . ( Proverbs 18:22 .) The blessing of a good wife. "Young men's mistresses; companions for middle age; and old men's nurses" (Lord Bacon). On the choice of a with none but a recluse or a pedant would pretend to lay down infallible precepts or counsels. But every man who has been happy in the married relation will recognize his happiness as among the chiefest of blessings from above. It is indeed a good that is found, cannot be inherited... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:23

This and the following verse, and the first two verses of the next chapter, are not found in the chief manuscripts of the Septuagint, though in later codices they have been supplied from the version of Theodotion. The Codex Venetus Marcianus (23, Holmes and Parsons) is the only uncial that contains them. The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly. The irony of the passage is more strongly expressed by Siracides: "The rich man hath done wrong, and yet he threateneth withal:... read more

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