Reading proverbs is like going on an emotional journey, but not a rough one. Just one that brings up different thoughts.
1) “One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment” (Prov 18:1).
It is a tendency of some in Western countries, or in all the world, that when life gets tough to isolate oneself. There are few things that can be more dangerous as we are made for community.
And connecting isolation and selfish desires? I wouldn’t have made that connection, but again, there is wisdom and truth here.
Isolation is self-protective in nature but by doing so, it grows selfishness. Isolation for a short time is Ok, but in the long-term it becomes destructive and selfish. How can one grow and serve others in isolation? And please don’t answer “internet.”
2) “A fool does not delight in understanding, but only wants to show off his opinions” (Prov 18:2).
So true. Yes, there are fools in this life.
Of course we’ve all done this. We have stated our opinions before getting understanding. Social media has deeply trained us in this so that we feel the need to comment on a lot. It’s training us to be opinionated without understanding. Beware.
3) “It is not good to show partiality to the guilty by perverting the justice due the innocent” (Prov 18:5).
The last couple of years have certainly show us this as a problem. It has become less about justice and more about what political agenda you are serving. Too many examples to note.
4) “A rich man’s wealth is his fortified city; in his imagination it is like a high wall” (Prov 18:11).
So true. The rich think they are safe because they have a lot of money. The things that concern the normal populace are not of concern to them, as it is not real for them.
And you know what? Wealth DOES protect…for awhile. But it eventually it all falls down. At anything with the last curtain.
5) “Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud” (Prov 18:12).
I’ve seen this a lot. Lately with a lot of YouTubers who become very influential, and then somehow the money and notoriety change them.
6) “The one who gives an answer before he listens–this is foolishness and disgrace for him” (Prov 18:13).
How we all struggle with this one. We’re sure we know so we don’t take those extra 2 seconds to listen.
7) “A gift opens doors for a man and brings before the great” (Prov 18:16).
Is this promoting bribery? Because Solomon has just been talking about the evils of bribery and how it corrupts justice (Pr 17:8,23; 19:6).
The word here is gift and is different than the word for bribe. Gift-giving in Middle-Eastern and Central-Asian culture is a very sacred and intricate matter, one we don’t understand much in Western culture.
I don’t think he is teaching a bribe here, but rather the respect that comes from giving gifts which opens hearts and doors. Showing proper respect opens door for company with influential people.
8) “The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him” (Prov 18:17).
This one is a knife to the heart. As one has been nastily smeared for the last 5 years, people haven’t come to me to see any other picture. They hear the first picture and that’s what they believe. I’ve lost a lot because of this truth.
9) “From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is satisfied; he is filled with the product of his lips” (Prov 18:20).
I had to pause on this one. It’s true that things we say actually do have a direct implication on our work and our ability to provide for ourselves.
10) “Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Prov 18:21).
This is one that has been used to extreme measures. There is a definite truth that the things we say have a very powerful effect on our lives and the lives of others. We would be wise to take more consideration into what we speak.