"He also that is slack in his work Is brother to him that is a destroyer.""One by failing to get and the other by wasting what he has are brothers in that both their actions lead to poverty."[12] read more
"The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; The righteous runneth into it, and are safe.""What a strong fortress is to the besieged, so is God to his persecuted, tempted and afflicted followers."[13] read more
"The rich man's wealth is his strong city, And as a high wall in his own imagination.""The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it an unscalable wall."[14] Effective as wealth is for many purposes, it is an unspeakably poor security for one's soul. God help all wealthy persons to anticipate that hour when the death angel shall say, "Thou fool, this night shall thy soul be required of thee."[15] read more
"Before destruction the heart of man is haughty; And before honor goeth humility."This proverb has the same thought as Proverbs 16:18 and Proverbs 15:33. Pride and haughtiness are frequently condemned in Proverbs; and humility is often cited as the necessary predecessor of honor. read more
"He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him.""To answer a question before you have heard it out is both stupid and insulting."[16] read more
"The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; But a broken spirit who can bear?" "Spirit in this passage is the inner being of a man, the seat of his vigor and courage."[17] 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. read more
"The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; And the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.""We have a paradox here, that those who know the most know how little they know; and this is the same thought that Paul stressed in 1 Corinthians 8:2."[18] read more
"A man's gift maketh room for him, And bringeth him before great men."Toy denied that there is any reference to a bribe here. What is meant is that gifts from benevolent people (such as a philanthropist) are effective in bringing many honors to the giver. "He thus has a free field, access,"[19] not only to `great men' but to respected institutions in society. read more
"He that pleadeth his cause first seemeth just; But his neighbor cometh and searcheth him out.""The evidence of one person alone is not much to be depended upon; this is a variation of the old proverb that, `One tale is good till another is told.'"[20] read more
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Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 18:8
"The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.""The words of a slanderer are like dainty morsels, swallowed and relished to the full."[11] The sinful delight of becoming the eager listener to slanderous talk is condemned in this proverb. read more