Proverbs 18

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:8

(See homily on Proverbs 17:9 .)—C. read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:9

He also that is slothful ( slack ) in his work . A man that does his work in some sort, but not heartily and diligently, as one who knows that labour is not only a duty and necessity, but a means of sanctification, a training for a higher life. Is brother to him that is a great waster ; a destroyer. "Brother" is used as "companion" in Proverbs 28:24 (comp. Job 30:29 ), for one of like attributes and tendencies; as we say, "next door to;" and the destroyer is, as Nowack says, not... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:9

Needless destitution This strong utterance suggests— I. THE PREVALENCE OF DESTITUTION . How much of human life is needlessly low! how many men live low down in the scale who might just as well be living high up it! how sadly do men bereave themselves of good! This applies to: 1 . Their circumstances : their daily surroundings; the homes in which they live, their food and raiment, the occupations in which they are engaged; their companionships, etc. 2 . Their... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:10

The Name of the Lord is a strong tower. The Name of the Lord signifies all that God is in himself—his attributes, his love, mercy, power, knowledge; which allow man to regard him as a sure Refuge. "Thou hast been a Shelter for me," says the psalmist ( Psalms 61:3 ), "and a strong Tower from the enemy." The words bring before us a picture of a capitol, or central fortress, in which, at times of danger, the surrounding population could take refuge. Into this Name we Christians are baptized;... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:10

A strong tower. These words suggest to us an image of a disturbed country with a massive fortified tower standing in its midst, ready to serve as a refuge for the peasants, who till the fields when all is peaceful, but who flee to the tower for shelter when they see the enemy scouring over the plain. The baronial castles of England served the same purpose when our own country was suffering from the ravages of war. In the dangers of life the Name of the Lord is a similar refuge for his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:10

God our Refuge By "the Name of the Lord" we understand the Lord as he has revealed himself to us, the Lord as he has taught us to think and to speak of him. He is our strong Tower in the time of trouble. I. OUR NEED OF A REFUGE IN THE BATTLE OF LIFE . There may be much in our life that may lead us to speak of it as a song or a tale, or as a march or pilgrimage; but there is much that compels us to consider it a battle or a struggle. Many are the occasions when we have... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:10-16

Some conditions of weal and woe I. CONSTITUTIONS OF LIFE WEAL . 1 . First and foremost, religion ( Proverbs 18:10 ) and humility ( Proverbs 18:12 ). The Name of Jehovah stands for all that God is (the "I am"). Trust in the Eternal is the real ground of confidence for a creature so transient and frail as man. To put the same truth in another way, it is religious principle which can alone sustain the soul calm and erect amidst distress. And with true religion is ever... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:11

In contrast with the Divine tower of safety in the preceding verse is here brought forward the earthly refuge of the worldly man. The rich man's wealth is his strong city. The clause is repeated from Proverbs 10:15 , but with quite a different conclusion. And as an high wall in his own conceit. The rich man imagines his wealth to be, as it were, an unassailable defence, to preserve him safe amid all the storms of life . בְּמַשְׂכִּתוֹ ( bemaskitho ) , rendered "in his own... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:12

(Comp. Proverbs 16:18 ; Proverbs 15:33 ; where the maxims are found in almost the same words.) read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:12

(See homily on Proverbs 16:18 .)—C. read more

Group of Brands