Proverbs 18

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 18:17

He that is first in his own cause seemeth just ,.... As perhaps Tertullus did, before Paul made his defence; and as Ziba, Mephibosheth's servant, before his master detected him: this often appears true in telling a tale, in private conversation, in lawsuits before a judge and a court of judicature, and in theological controversies; but his neighbour cometh, and searcheth him ; his neighbour comes into the house, where he is telling his tale, and reports it in another manner, and shows... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 18:18

The lot causeth contentions to cease ,.... When a case cannot be determined among parties at variance in a private way, nor in a court of judicature, the lot is cast, and that puts an end to all strife, and makes each party easy; they submit to it, and acquiesce in it; and parteth between the mighty ; the kings and princes of the earth; men of great power and authority, and of great riches and affluence; and so in a capacity of contending with each other, and of prolonging the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 18:19

A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city ,.... A fortified city may sooner be taken by an enemy, than one brother offended can be reconciled to another; their resentments against each other are keener than against another person that has offended them; and their love being turned into hatred, it is more bitter; and it is more difficult to compose differences between brethren than between enemies; wherefore such should take care that they fall not out by the way: this is... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 18:20

A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth ,.... With his own words and discourses, when they are prudent, pious, and savoury; when they are with grace, and minister it; they are satisfying to himself, to his own mind and conscience, and to his family; to all within his house, which is, as it were, his belly; but, if otherwise, it will not be profitable nor satisfying to either; and therefore, if a man would keep conscience easy, and be useful to others, he ought to take... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 18:21

Death and life are in the power of the tongue ,.... Of witnesses, according to the testimony they bear; of judges, according to the sentence they pass; of teachers, according to the doctrine they preach; of all men, who, by their well or ill speaking, bring death or life to themselves and others. Some, by their tongues, by the too free use of them, or falsehood they utter, are the cause of death to themselves and others; and some, by their silence, or by their prudent speech and prevalent... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 18:22

Whoso findeth a wife ,.... A good one; so the Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions, supply it; and so the Targum, though it leaves out the word good in the last clause; and no other can be meant, even a good natured one, wise, prudent, careful, and industrious; a proper helpmeet, a virtuous woman, as in Proverbs 31:10 ; whoso seeks after such an one, and finds one, especially one that has the grace of God, which he should seek after among his friends, and by their... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 18:23

The poor useth entreaties ,.... Or "supplications" F1 תחנונים "supplicationes", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Mercerus, Michaelis. ; he is an humble supplicant to others for favours he asks in a submissive and lowly manner; he does not demand anything, nor prescribe what shall be done for him, but modestly tells his case, and submits it; so such who are poor in spirit are humble supplicants at the throne of grace; but the rich answereth roughly ; being proud and haughty,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 18:24

A man that hath friends must show himself friendly ,.... Friendship ought to be mutual and reciprocal, as between David and Jonathan; a man that receives friendship ought to return it, or otherwise he is guilty of great ingratitude. This may be spiritually applied; a believer is "a man of friends" F2 איש רעים "vir amicorum", Montanus, Vatablus, Baynus, Mercerus, Gejerus, Michaelis; "vir sodalium", Cocceius, Schultens. , as it may be rendered; he has many friends: God is his... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 18

The man who separates himself and seeks wisdom. The fool and the wicked man. Deep wisdom. Contention of fools. The talebearer and the slothful. The name of the Lord. Pride and presumption because of riches. Hastiness of spirit. The wounded spirit. The influence of gifts. The lot. The offended brother. The influence of the tongue. A wife a good from God. The true friend. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 18:1

Through desire a man, having separated himself - The original is difficult and obscure. The Vulgate, Septuagint, and Arabic, read as follows: "He who wishes to break with his friend, and seeks occasions or pretenses shall at all times be worthy of blame." My old MS. Bible translates, Occasioun seeketh that wil go awei fro a freend: at al tyme he schal ben wariable. Coverdale thus: "Who so hath pleasure to sowe discorde, piketh a quarrel in every thinge." Bible by Barker, 1615: "Fro... read more

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