18:1 One who has isolated himself seeks his own desires; he rejects all sound judgment.
Those who do not possess strong Bible doctrine will sometimes become reclusive. They will become selfish. They will avoid friendly relations with others. This reclusiveness will cause them to make human viewpoint decisions. Human viewpoint decisions are like dirty menstrual rags to God (Isaiah 65), because they build up the satanic world system.
18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding but only in disclosing what is on his mind.
A fool is one who lacks sound Bible doctrine. The fool possesses a closed mind and an open mouth. He does not want to take the time to study Bible doctrine, but he wants to tell others what he does not know. He speaks without knowledge. He needs to keep his mouth shut and learn Bible doctrine.
In many Sunday school classes, there may be an excellent Bible teacher who has studied and prepared his lesson for hours. However, there are some carnal Christians and unbelievers in the class who possess little Bible doctrine, but they continually want to make comments and ask questions. This is foolish, because it takes away teaching time from the gifted pastor-teacher who needs to be teaching. Those with little Bible doctrine need to remain silent and allow their gifted-teacher to teach. Paul touches on this issue in his epistles. First, he would not allow women to speak in the church. Second, wives were to ask questions to their husbands at home.
18:3 When a wicked person arrives, contempt shows up with him, and with shame comes a reproach.
When an evil man arrives in the company of other people, then people will show contempt for him. The evil man will feel shame.
18:4 The words of a person’s mouth are like deep waters, and the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.
The words of a fool are like bitter waters. The words of one who masters Bible doctrine are as refreshing as a flowing brook.
18:5 It is terrible to show partiality to the wicked, by depriving a righteous man of justice.
Kings were responsible for appointing judges in the land of Israel. If a king appointed a corrupt judge, then he and the judge had committed a terrible sin. There are supreme court judges today who are currently perverting justice by censoring the Word of God from their people and enforcing the principles of the satanic world system upon others.
18:6 The lips of a fool enter into strife, and his mouth invites a flogging.
One who lacks Bible doctrine will say words which will get him into trouble. He cannot help but to brag about his sins to others.
18:7 The mouth of a fool is his ruin, and his lips are a snare for his life.
Many criminals are caught, because they could not remain silent about their crime.
18:8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down into the person’s innermost being.
Hearing gossip is like eating a delicious morsel and digesting it into one’s soul.
18:9 The one who is slack in his work is a brother to one who destroys.
Those who refuse to work are a burden to society.
18:10 The name of the Lord is like a strong tower; the righteous person runs to it and is set safely on high.
Those who possess strong Bible doctrine trust in the Lord for their security. The Lord is a high strong military tower which cannot be taken down by the enemy.
18:11 The wealth of a rich person is like a strong city, and it is like a high wall in his imagination.
The wealthy think that their money can protect them, but money cannot deliver people from the calamity which God will send upon them.
18:12 Before destruction the heart of a person is proud, but humility comes before honor.
Those who think that they are superior to others will experience a downfall. A person must learn humility before he can understand honor.
18:13 The one who gives an answer before he listens— that is his folly and his shame.
Those without Bible doctrine will give an answer without listening fully to the question.
18:14 A person’s spirit sustains him through sickness— but who can bear a crushed spirit?
An ill person with strong Bible doctrine can survive longer than an ill person who lacks Bible doctrine. Those who lack Bible doctrine will not be crushed and depressed over their situation, causing stress and more physical illness. Those with strong Bible doctrine will not worry as much about their situation, because they trust in God to either heal them or bring them in a better eternity.
18:15 The discerning person acquires knowledge, and the wise person seeks knowledge.
Those with strong Bible doctrine seek more Bible doctrine.
18:16 A person’s gift makes room for him, and leads him before important people.
Giving an important person a gift is effective, but it is close to bribery. Solomon is not recommending this action. He is just stating that it is effective in the satanic world system.
18:17 The first to state his case seems right, until his opponent begins to cross-examine him.
Solomon was an experienced judge. Judges need to hear both sides of the argument before they make a decision.
18:18 A toss of a coin ends disputes, and settles the issue between strong opponents.
In Biblical times, sometimes people cast lots in order to settle a dispute.
18:19 A relative offended is harder to reach than a strong city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a fortified citadel.
When one offends a relative, it will be very difficult to ever reach them again. It will be easier to bring down a fortified city.
18:20 From the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach is satisfied, with the product of his lips is he satisfied.
Positive speech will bring blessings to the speaker.
18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love its use will eat its fruit.
Negative speech can lead a person to their death. A person’s words in court can decide whether a person lives or dies. The words of a co-worker can enhance or destroy a person’s career.
18:22 The one who finds a wife finds what is enjoyable, and receives a pleasurable gift from the Lord.
Finding a “suitable helper” is a good thing. Biblical marriage is only recognized as one right man to one right woman. The satanic world system teaches the opposite view.
18:23 A poor person makes supplications, but a rich man answers harshly.
When a poor person asks a rich man to help him, he usually receives harsh words. This is a terrible sin of arrogance.
18:24 A person who has friends may be harmed by them, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
It is better to have one faithful friend with strong Bible doctrine than many numerous companions without Bible doctrine.