15 The heart of the man of good sense gets knowledge; the ear of the wise is searching for knowledge.
16 A man's offering makes room for him, letting him come before great men.
17 The man who first puts his cause before the judge seems to be in the right; but then his neighbour comes and puts his cause in its true light.
18 The decision of chance puts an end to argument, parting the strong.
19 A brother wounded is like a strong town, and violent acts are like a locked tower.
20 With the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach will be full; the produce of his lips will be his in full measure.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those to whom it is dear will have its fruit for their food.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 18:15-21
Commentary on Proverbs 18:15
(Read Proverbs 18:15)
We must get knowledge, not only into our heads, but into our hearts.
Commentary on Proverbs 18:16
(Read Proverbs 18:16)
Blessed be the Lord, who makes us welcome to come to his throne, without money and without price. May his gifts make room for him in our souls.
Commentary on Proverbs 18:17
(Read Proverbs 18:17)
It is well to listen to our enemies, that we may form a better judgment of ourselves.
Commentary on Proverbs 18:18
(Read Proverbs 18:18)
It was customary sometimes to refer matters to God, by casting lots, with solemn prayer. The profaning the lot, by using it in matters of diversion, or coveting what belongs to others, forms an objection to this now.
Commentary on Proverbs 18:19
(Read Proverbs 18:19)
Great care must be taken to prevent quarrels among relations and those under obligations to each other. Wisdom and grace make it easy to forgive; but corruption makes it difficult.
Commentary on Proverbs 18:20
(Read Proverbs 18:20)
The belly is here put for the heart, as elsewhere; and what that is filled with, our satisfaction will be accordingly, and our inward peace.
Commentary on Proverbs 18:21
(Read Proverbs 18:21)
Many a one has caused his own death, or the death of others, by a false or injurious tongue.