Isolation and Foolish Speech
Study note
The chapter begins by warning that someone who isolates themselves fights against all good judgment. A fool has no interest in understanding but only wants to share their own opinions. Gossip is described as going down into the deepest parts of a person, meaning its damage goes deep.
1 A person who cuts themselves off from everyone is only chasing their own selfish agenda. They push back against every piece of good advice. Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
2 A fool has no interest in learning anything. All they want is a chance to broadcast their own opinions. A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
3 Where wickedness shows up, contempt follows close behind, and shame always walks hand in hand with disgrace. When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
4 What a thoughtful person says carries real depth. The words of the wise are like a refreshing stream that keeps flowing. The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
5 It is flat-out wrong to take sides with guilty people or to deny justice to someone who is innocent. It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
6 Every time a fool opens their mouth, they are picking a fight. What they say practically begs for someone to slap them. A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
7 A fool's own words become the weapon that takes them down. Their lips set a trap that catches their own life. A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 Gossip is like a box of your favorite snacks. You keep reaching for more and it settles deep in your gut. The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
God's Name Is a Strong Tower
Study note
Verse 10 is one of the most beloved verses in the Bible: 'The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.' In contrast, the rich person imagines their wealth is their protection, but that is only in their imagination. These proverbs also warn against answering before you listen and against giving up when things get hard.
9 Someone who is sloppy and lazy in their work is no different from someone who breaks things on purpose. He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runs into it, and is safe. The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
11 Rich people think their wealth is like a tall, strong wall keeping them safe. But that safety only exists in their minds. The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
12 Right before everything falls apart, a person's heart swells with pride. But the road to honor always starts with being humble. Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
13 Answering someone before you have fully heard them out makes you look both foolish and rude. He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
14 A person's spirit can fight through sickness in the body. But when the spirit itself is crushed, that is almost too much to bear. The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
15 A person who is wise is always collecting more knowledge, always keeping their ears open for new things to learn. The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
Relationships and the Power of the Tongue
Study note
Several profound proverbs here deal with how we relate to others. Always hear both sides of a story before making a judgment. An offended brother or sister is harder to win back than a fortified city. The tongue has the power of life and death, so use it wisely.
16 A well-chosen gift can open doors for you and put you face to face with important people. A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
17 The first person to speak in an argument sounds totally right. But then the other person shows up and starts asking hard questions. He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
18 Casting lots puts an end to arguments. It can settle things even between powerful people. The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
19 A brother or sister who has been hurt is harder to reach than a walled-off city. Once an argument starts, it goes up like the locked gates of a fortress. A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
20 What comes out of your mouth determines what fills your life. The harvest of your words is what you end up living with. A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
21 Your tongue has the power to speak life or death. People who love using it will live with the results. Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Marriage and True Friendship
Study note
The chapter ends with three powerful proverbs. Finding a wife is finding a good thing and gaining the Lord's favor. The poor may have to beg, while the rich answer harshly. But the most famous verse is the last: there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
22 Finding a wife is finding something truly good. It is a sign that the Lord is showing you favor. Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
23 When poor people ask for help, they beg. When rich people are asked, they answer with a harsh tone. The poor useth entreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
24 Collecting a bunch of shallow friends can destroy you, but there is one kind of friend who stays more loyal than family. A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.