18 Unfriendly people care only about themselves;
they lash out at common sense.
2 Fools have no interest in understanding;
they only want to air their own opinions.
3 Doing wrong leads to disgrace,
and scandalous behavior brings contempt.
4 Wise words are like deep waters;
wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.
5 It is not right to acquit the guilty
or deny justice to the innocent.
6 Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels;
they are asking for a beating.
7 The mouths of fools are their ruin;
they trap themselves with their lips.
8 Rumors are dainty morsels
that sink deep into one’s heart.
9 A lazy person is as bad as
someone who destroys things.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong fortress;
the godly run to him and are safe.
11 The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense;
they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.
12 Haughtiness goes before destruction;
humility precedes honor.
13 Spouting off before listening to the facts
is both shameful and foolish.
14 The human spirit can endure a sick body,
but who can bear a crushed spirit?
15 Intelligent people are always ready to learn.
Their ears are open for knowledge.
16 Giving a gift can open doors;
it gives access to important people!
17 The first to speak in court sounds right—
until the cross-examination begins.
18 Flipping a coin[a] can end arguments;
it settles disputes between powerful opponents.
19 An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city.
Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.
20 Wise words satisfy like a good meal;
the right words bring satisfaction.
21 The tongue can bring death or life;
those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
22 The man who finds a wife finds a treasure,
and he receives favor from the Lord.
23 The poor plead for mercy;
the rich answer with insults.
24 There are “friends” who destroy each other,
but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.
Takeaways from 18
18:1- Caring for others is an overflow of the Holy Spirit working in my life. When I care for them humbly and without motive, the friendship of God can be tasted.
18:1-Common sense ought to be latched on to not lashed out against.
18:2 -God calls His children to understanding at its purest, not foolishness and self centeredness.
18:2- What if my opinion doesn’t need to be aired before man? But aired before the LORD alone in prayer.
18:3- Consecration has consequences: both the presence of it and the lack of it. I will reap what I sow.
18:4 – Wisdom is able to refresh and rejuvenate the soul. Nothing can refresh like wisdom.
18:5 – Justice matters, don’t scoff at it. Run towards it and champion the LORD in the matter.
18:5- The LORD is justice.
18:6- Words are meant for edification not altercations.
18:6 – Words don’t have to be self inflicted wounds.
18:7 – Words are meant to bless and to build.
18:8- The smallest gossip can take large roots. Those aren’t the seeds Christians sow.
18:9- Laziness destroyes, diligence builds.
18:10- There is one place and source of safety. The LORD.
18:11- Currency’s Fluctuate, the LORD’s strength and safety does not.
18:12- Humility >pride.
18:14- Better to get all the facts before formulating any idea or speak on any situation.
18:15- NEVER stop craving to LEARN and GROW.
18:16 – Sow FORWARD
18:17 – Don’t arrive at conclusions hastily.
18:18 – The smallest and most equitable action can end the most powerful of arguments.
18:19- Be a friend not a phony. Friendship at its purest is impossible without Christ.
18:20 – Depend on Holy Spirit for words to speak at all time.
18:21 – I sow what I speak.
18:22 – God gifts His sons with blessings as wives.
18:23 – My response to the poor reveals my heart towards God.
18:24 – Be a true friend, be a brother in Christ, stick with people no matter what. Thick, think, high or low water, be a brother.
Nate Staton 