PROVERBS: The Series

Proverbs 18:1-24

VS 1-3: "Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense. Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. Doing wrong leads to disgrace, and scandalous behavior brings contempt."

People who choose to go down the wrong path in life end up being marked by sin. They are the kind of people who are unfriendly, impatient, angry, foolish, arrogant, and flat-out rude. Doing these wrong things lead us to nothing but trouble. Wisdom would lead us to turn away from this path the enemy wants us to go down, and have us turn to the things of the Lord.

VS 7-8: "The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips. Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart."

The power of life and death is found in our tongues. This means that what we say has the power to bring life or bring destruction. A foolish person's speech does nothing but trap them into a pit of demise and ruin. Wisdom calls us away from that enticing yet harmful path and calls us to be careful and intentional with what we say.

VS 10-11: "The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety."

Oftentimes, the trials that we face here in this life are sent to shake us up and shift our focus off of the Lord and to whatever is in front of us. The Bible tells us that we have a strong fortress and safe haven that we can run into and that will never fail us. That protection is the Lord. Nothing can guard and protect us as He does. He is our safe place and our escape and nothing can get to us when we are in Him.

V12: "Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor."

Haughtiness and pride seek to elevate oneself. Humility is putting others above yourself. Even though it may seem that servanthood and selflessness is the lesser path to follow, it is that path that reaps honor. Selfishness brings destruction. It is important whether we choose to elevate and honor ourselves or let God elevate and honor us because of the way we serve.

V16: "Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people!"

A stingy and selfish way of living is completely self-centered. The people who can give with no restraint and are selfless are favored. This verse talks about how giving can open doors and give great access to things we could never get on our own! That is the kind of favor selflessness brings!

VS 20-21: "Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences."

Words filled with wisdom bring a kind of fulfillment and satisfaction to our souls very similar to a good meal. It is something we crave and can't get enough of, and when full, we are satisfied. Words infused with life also reap these kinds of rewards, whereas death words bring what they sow.

V24: "There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother."

In each and every one of our lives, we have people who come and go. The ones who stick with us no matter what are true friends. Those are the people who lift us, lead us closer to the Lord, and in times of need, stand by our sides. The "friends" who bring nothing but trouble and drama are not real. Their entire purpose is to destroy us, making it all the more important who we choose to have in our corner.