Proverbs 18:16. A man’s gift maketh room for him Procures him free access to great men. Hebrew, ירחיב לו , enlargeth him, as this very phrase is rendered Psalms 4:1, and elsewhere; freeth him from straits and oppressions; and bringeth him before great men Procures him favour and free conversation with them. read more
Proverbs 18:17. He that is first in his own cause He that first pleadeth his cause; seemeth just Both to himself, and to the judge, or court, by his fair pretences; but his neighbour cometh To contend with him in judgment, and to plead his cause; and searcheth him Examineth the truth and weight of his allegations, disproveth them, and detecteth the weakness of his cause. read more
Proverbs 18:18. The lot causeth contentions to cease By determining the matters in difference; and parteth between the mighty Maketh a partition, and giveth to each of the contending parties what is right or meet, by the order and disposition of divine providence. It parteth also between mean persons, but he mentions the mighty, because they are most prone to contention, and most fierce and obstinate in it, and most capable of doing great mischief to themselves and others by it, and... read more
Proverbs 18:19 . A brother offended Namely, by his brother’s unkindness or injury; is harder to be won Or, is stronger and more impregnable; than a strong city Which is hardly to be conquered. And their contentions are like the bars of a castle Which are very strong, and not to be broken, as being made of iron or brass: see 1 Kings 4:13; Isaiah 45:2. The truth of this assertion is confirmed by the testimony of several learned men who affirm the same thing; and the reason of it is... read more
Proverbs 18:20. A man’s belly shall be satisfied, &c. Wise and edifying discourses tend to the comfort and satisfaction of the speaker, as well as to the good of the hearers. read more
Proverbs 18:21. Life and death are in the power of the tongue Are brought upon men by the good or bad use of their tongues; and they that love it Namely, the tongue; that love much talking; shall eat the fruit thereof Shall receive either good or evil according to the quality of their speeches. read more
Proverbs 18:22. Whoso findeth a wife A good wife; one that deserves the name, and performs the duty of that relation. Thus Houbigant interprets it after many of the versions: see Proverbs 19:14. Findeth a good thing A singular blessing; and obtaineth favour of the Lord Obtaineth her, not by his own wisdom, or art, or endeavours, merely or chiefly, but by God’s good providence toward him, which orders that and all other events as it pleases him. The LXX. and Vulgate read at the end of... read more
Proverbs 18:23. The poor useth entreaties Humbly begs the favour of rich and powerful men, as his necessities and occasions require; but the rich answereth roughly Speaks proudly and scornfully, either to the poor, or to others that converse with him, being puffed up with a conceit of his riches and self-sufficiency. read more
Proverbs 18:24. A man that hath friends Hebrew, a man of friends; either, 1st, Who desires the friendship of others; or, 2d, Who professes friendship to others; must show himself friendly Must perform all kind offices to his friend, which is the very end of friendship, and the way to preserve it; and there is a friend that sticketh closer To him that desires and needs his help; who is more hearty in the performance of all duties of friendship; than a brother Than the nearest... read more
Get a Bible verse delivered to your inbox every day!
Read on Mobile
Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 18:14
Proverbs 18:14. The spirit of a man That is, his soul, namely, not wounded, as appears by the opposite branch of the verse, and which is vigorous and cheerful, supported by a sense of God’s love, the consciousness of its own integrity, and of its present peace with him, and by a bright prospect of future happiness; will sustain his infirmity Will easily support him under any bodily or outward troubles, as God’s people have often found by experience; but a wounded spirit Depressed and... read more