Category: Proverbs

His Destruction – Part 2

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Proverbs 18:6-7 A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for strokes. A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. 

‘His destruction’ – Unlike the wise, who are saved by their discretion, the fool is destroyed by his own words. His speech backfires, causing broken relationships, lost opportunities, humiliation, or worse. The idea is that his downfall comes not from others, but from his own mouth.

‘The snare of his soul.’ The fool traps himself with his lips. A “snare” (Hebrew: mōqēsh) is a trap used to catch animals, here applied metaphorically. His speech catches his soul, his life, character, and inner being. This could mean eternal ruin, loss of integrity, or deep self-inflicted pain. His foolishness isn’t just external; it ensnares his very life.

Our words shape our destiny. Foolish, careless, or arrogant speech doesn’t just hurt others; it can trap us spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. True wisdom teaches restraint, humility, and careful speech.

The point is not just that foolish words are annoying; they are dangerous. They ruin lives, fracture relationships, and trap the speaker in consequences that are often irreversible.

Elsewhere in Proverbs, wise speech is contrasted with wisdom as: A tree of life (15:4), apples of gold in settings of silver (25:11), and a fountain of life (10:11). Where the fool’s mouth brings ruin, the wise person’s words bring healing, peace, and life.

Scripture consistently teaches that our mouth reveals our heart (Luke 6:45), and our words shape our lives. In a world full of noise and verbal combat, Proverbs 18:6-7 calls us to reverence, restraint, and wisdom in what we say.

His Destruction – Part 1

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Proverbs 18:6-7 A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for strokes. A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. 

‘Enter into contention’ – The fool (Hebrew: kᵊsîl) is again central, one who is morally dull, resistant to wisdom, and full of self-confidence. His speech habitually stirs up strife, arguments, and quarrels. His lips “enter into contention,” meaning he is often the instigator, not accidentally, but by nature. Where wise people bring peace, the fool brings conflict, with little thought for the consequences.

‘His mouth calls for strokes.’ This is Hebrew poetic irony. The fool’s mouth metaphorically “calls for” beatings (strokes). His words are so provocative, reckless, and offensive that he practically invites punishment, whether legal, social, or even physical. In ancient culture, this could refer to literal punishment (such as lashes) or figurative discipline, isolation, shame, and retaliation.

Be careful with your words; a contentious tongue creates enemies. Foolish speech doesn’t just offend; it draws discipline and judgment, often justly deserved.

To be continued…

Not Good

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Proverbs 18:5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment. 

‘It is not good.’ This phrase may sound understated in English, but in Hebrew thought, “not good” (lo-tov) carries strong moral and ethical weight. It implies something is unacceptable, corrupt, and harmful to society, especially in matters of justice.

‘To accept the person of the wicked.’ This is a Hebrew idiom meaning to show partiality or favouritism. Literally, it means to “lift up the face” of someone, a reference to the ancient practice where judges would show bias by recognising someone’s status, wealth, or influence. In this case, the wicked (Hebrew: rashaʿ), those who live in rebellion against righteousness, are being given favour, perhaps due to bribery, power, or prestige.

‘To overthrow the righteous in judgment.’ This line completes the injustice: favouring the wicked results in the oppression of the righteous. To “overthrow” them in judgment means to pervert justice, turning a just verdict on its head. The very system designed to protect truth and innocence becomes a tool of corruption.

This proverb is a strong condemnation of judicial corruption and moral compromise. When those in power show partiality to the wicked, it destroys justice and harms the innocent. The verse holds both judges and society accountable for fairness, equity, and moral courage.

For anyone in a leadership position: Do not be swayed by wealth, influence, or relationships. Uphold righteousness at all costs. For Society: Resist systems that reward corruption and punish the just. Advocate for the integrity of law and protection of the innocent. For Personal Conduct: In daily decisions and relationships, do not show favouritism, especially when it comes at the expense of truth or justice.

True justice cannot coexist with favouritism. Any society, courtroom, or individual life that elevates the wicked and suppresses the righteous is on a path of moral decay. Proverbs 18:5 calls us to a higher standard, where truth, not power or position, determines what is right.

As Deep Waters

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Proverbs 18:4 The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook. 

‘As deep waters.’ This phrase likely refers to the depth and mystery that can reside in human speech, especially in the speech of a thoughtful or wise person. “Deep waters” (Hebrew: mayim ʿamūqīm) suggests profound insight, layers of meaning, or even hidden motives that take discernment to understand.

‘The wellspring of wisdom…’ The second part of the verse shifts from depth to refreshment and clarity. A “wellspring” (or fountain) implies a constant source of wisdom, in this case, that flows like a “brook” (stream), bringing life, nourishment, and guidance. This wisdom is not stagnant or hidden but active, generous, and sustaining.

The speech of a wise man is both deep and nourishing. Some words require discernment to grasp their depth, while others are like a bubbling spring, clear, refreshing, and constantly flowing.

We should aim to cultivate speech that is wise, thoughtful, and beneficial, not shallow or reactionary. True wisdom isn’t just knowing what to say, but offering words that both edify and refresh those who hear. It’s also a reminder to listen carefully, some speech holds treasure beneath the surface.

When the Wicked Comes

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Proverbs 18:3 When the wicked comes, then comes also contempt, and with ignominy reproach. 

‘When the wicked comes’ – The arrival of a wicked person (Hebrew: rashaʿ) signals the onset of corruption, not just morally, but socially. The wicked are those who act unjustly, defy God’s laws, and live without regard for righteousness.

‘Then comes also contempt.’ With the entrance of the wicked comes contempt, either their own contempt for what is good and just, or the contempt others feel toward them because of their corrupt behaviour. Contempt is an attitude of scorn, disrespect, and defiance. It erodes trust and tears down community values.

‘And with ignominy reproach.’ Ignominy refers to disgrace or public shame, and it is closely followed by reproach, harsh criticism or dishonour. In Hebrew poetic structure, these parallel ideas reinforce a progression: wickedness brings shame that brings condemnation. The wicked bring trouble not just upon themselves, but upon the communities they infect with their dishonour.

Wickedness is never neutral. It always brings contempt, shame, and reproach, disrupting peace, discrediting leadership, and inviting judgment. Even other wicked people may despise one another, as sin breeds distrust and hostility.

This is a warning against aligning with the wicked, as their presence leads to relational breakdown, moral decay, and disgrace. It’s also a call to guard communities and institutions from corruption by upholding righteousness and integrity.

No Delight in Understanding

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Proverbs 18:2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself. 

‘A fool’ – The word fool here comes from the Hebrew keciyl, which describes someone who is morally dull, thick-headed, and resistant to correction. Such a person has no interest in real understanding; he may hear truth but finds no joy in it, and certainly no desire to apply it.

‘That his heart may discover itself.’ Rather than listening to wisdom, the fool only wants to air his own opinions. The phrase could be rendered, “but only wants to express his own ideas.” His goal is not to learn, but to be heard. He talks not to understand, but to express his feelings, preferences, or prejudices.

This verse contrasts sharply with Proverbs 18:1, where the wise man isolates himself to pursue truth, and the fool rejects truth in favour of self-expression. His “learning” is self-centred; he is not seeking to grow, but to justify himself and impress others.

Wisdom requires humility, a teachable spirit, and a willingness to listen and learn. The fool, however, is self-satisfied, speaking much and learning little. This is a caution against prideful ignorance, valuing our own opinions over divine truth or wise counsel.

The wise man seeks, separates, listens, and immerses himself in wisdom. The fool rejects wisdom, is obsessed with himself, and refuses to listen or grow. True wisdom demands sacrifice, focus, humility, and a genuine love of truth. Fools resist correction and glorify their own thoughts.

Seeks and Intermeddles

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Proverbs 18:1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeks and intermeddles with all wisdom. 

‘Through desire’ This verse identifies desire as a deep yearning or longing, as the motivating force. This is not just any desire, but a focused, intentional drive toward something higher; here, wisdom.

‘A man, having separated himself.’ This suggests a man who chooses isolation, not necessarily in a physical or antisocial way, but a voluntary withdrawal from distractions, comforts, or superficial relationships to pursue something greater. In Hebrew, the word implies a person who goes his own way, sets himself apart, possibly even countercultural.

‘Seeks and intermeddles with all wisdom.’ The word “intermeddle” may sound negative in modern English, but in the original Hebrew (tuwshiyah), it implies a vigorous and active engagement, someone who plunges into wisdom, explores it in every dimension. He’s not dabbling; he’s fully immersed. When you are passionately committed to gaining wisdom, you will separate yourself from distractions. You become a seeker, earnestly exploring the full breadth and depth of wisdom. It’s a call to intentionality and discipline in the pursuit of truth.

To gain wisdom, one must be willing to pay the price, often sacrificing comfort, ease, or popularity. Serious study and personal transformation require focus, solitude, and diligence. This proverb honours those who prioritise learning and spiritual growth over worldly pursuits.

Counted Wise – Part 2

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Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise: and he that shuts his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. 

The second part affirms the virtue of deliberate silence. Here, the silence is not accidental or superficial; it is intentional. A person who “shuts his lips” does so with discipline and discernment. He knows the power of words and the danger of speaking hastily or unnecessarily. Because of this, he earns the esteem and respect of others as a man of understanding.

This isn’t about withholding speech out of fear or passivity, but rather practising wise restraint, knowing when to speak, and when to stay quiet. Such a person doesn’t speak to impress or fill silence, but to edify, instruct, or guide when needed.

This proverb offers wisdom for many areas of life: In conversation, avoid rushing to answer or always needing the last word. Thoughtful silence often speaks more powerfully than loud opinions. In leadership, true leaders don’t need to speak constantly. Their words are few, but meaningful, spoken with purpose, not pride. In conflict, silence can de-escalate tension. A calm response, or none at all, can defuse anger and preserve peace. In spiritual maturity: Self-control over the tongue is a mark of wisdom, humility, and godliness (10:19; cf. Jas. 1:19).

In summary: Silence has value, even when it comes from the unwise. A person is often judged not only by what they say, but by what they choose not to say. Measured speech reflects understanding. Impulsive words reveal folly. Cultivating the discipline of knowing when to speak and when to be silent is a cornerstone of true wisdom. This proverb invites us to consider: Do my words build up, or do they merely fill the air? Am I willing to be silent, even if it costs me attention or approval?

Counted Wise – Part 1

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Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise: and he that shuts his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. 

This proverb presents a paradox of appearance and perception: how silence, even from someone lacking wisdom, can give the impression of intelligence and self-control. It both warns and encourages: it warns against reckless speech and encourages the virtue of thoughtful restraint.

‘Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise.’ The first part delivers a surprising truth: a fool can appear wise simply by being silent. A person who lacks understanding, who might otherwise expose his folly by careless speech, can temporarily mask his ignorance by choosing not to speak.

This suggests that the act of silence itself carries a kind of dignity, even if the motive behind it isn’t rooted in true wisdom. People tend to associate measured speech and quiet presence with thoughtfulness, depth, and discernment. As long as the fool restrains his tongue, people may assume there is something thoughtful or contemplative about him, when in reality, his silence is his only wisdom.

It is also a caution: don’t be too quick to assume someone is wise just because they are quiet. Silence can be a cover for folly, but ironically, it still achieves a better result than talking foolishly. In short: better to be thought wise and remain silent, than to speak and remove all doubt (as a common paraphrase goes).

To be continued…

An Excellent Spirit – Part 2

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Proverbs 17:27 He that has knowledge spares his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. 

‘A man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.’ The second line describes the inner quality that accompanies wise speech: an excellent spirit, which can also be translated as calm, composed, or even-tempered. A man of understanding is not easily provoked. He maintains peace within himself and with others. He doesn’t fly into rage or speak rashly in the heat of the moment.

This excellent spirit is rooted in humility, patience, and spiritual maturity. It reflects a person who has control over his emotions, is slow to anger, and is guided by a steady heart. Such a spirit is rare, beautiful, and powerful; it allows a person to lead well, advise wisely, and endure difficulty with grace.

In summary, this proverb teaches that true wisdom reveals itself not in how much a person talks, but in how carefully he speaks, and how well he carries himself.  The wise are not empty talkers. They speak when it matters. They demonstrate inner excellence by maintaining calm, grace, and restraint. Their words are few, but full of meaning, and their spirits are strong because they are governed by understanding, not emotion. This is a call to watch our words, cultivate inner peace, and value wisdom over noise.