[1] Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
Desire — Thro' desire of wisdom, a man having separated himself from the company, and noise, and business of the world, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom, uses all diligence, that he may search and find out all solid knowledge and true wisdom.
Verse 2
[2] A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
Understanding — In getting sound and saving, knowledge.
The discovery — In uttering that folly and wickedness which is in his heart.
Verse 3
[3] When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
Cometh — Into any place or company.
Contempt — He despiseth all instruction and reproof.
Reproach — And he shews his contempt by ignominious and reproachful expressions.
Verse 4
[4] The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
A man's — A wise man's.
As a brook — That wisdom which is in his heart is continually pouring forth wise and good counsels.
Verse 8
[8] The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
They go — They wound mortally.
Verse 9
[9] He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
Is brother — Though they take several paths, yet both come to one end.
Verse 10
[10] The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
The name — The Lord, as he hath revealed himself in his works, and in his word by his promises.
Verse 14
[14] The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
Sustain — Will easily support him under any outward troubles.
Wounded — Dejected with the sense of its own guilt and misery.
Verse 18
[18] The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
Parteth — Gives to every one what is right or meet.
Verse 20
[20] A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
Satisfied — Wise discourses tend to the satisfaction of the speaker, as well as to the good of the hearers.
Verse 21
[21] Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Death and life — Are brought upon men by, the good or bad use of their tongues.
Lovest — That love much talking.
Verse 22
[22] Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
A wise — A good wife; one that deserves the name, and performs the duty of that relation.
Favour — Obtains her not by his own diligence, but by God's good providence.
Verse 24
[24] A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
A man — Heb. A man of friends; who desires the friendship of others.
Proverbs 18 Bible Commentary
John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes
Verse 1
[1] Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
Desire — Thro' desire of wisdom, a man having separated himself from the company, and noise, and business of the world, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom, uses all diligence, that he may search and find out all solid knowledge and true wisdom.
Verse 2
[2] A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
Understanding — In getting sound and saving, knowledge.
The discovery — In uttering that folly and wickedness which is in his heart.
Verse 3
[3] When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
Cometh — Into any place or company.
Contempt — He despiseth all instruction and reproof.
Reproach — And he shews his contempt by ignominious and reproachful expressions.
Verse 4
[4] The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
A man's — A wise man's.
As a brook — That wisdom which is in his heart is continually pouring forth wise and good counsels.
Verse 8
[8] The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
They go — They wound mortally.
Verse 9
[9] He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
Is brother — Though they take several paths, yet both come to one end.
Verse 10
[10] The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
The name — The Lord, as he hath revealed himself in his works, and in his word by his promises.
Verse 14
[14] The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
Sustain — Will easily support him under any outward troubles.
Wounded — Dejected with the sense of its own guilt and misery.
Verse 18
[18] The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
Parteth — Gives to every one what is right or meet.
Verse 20
[20] A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
Satisfied — Wise discourses tend to the satisfaction of the speaker, as well as to the good of the hearers.
Verse 21
[21] Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Death and life — Are brought upon men by, the good or bad use of their tongues.
Lovest — That love much talking.
Verse 22
[22] Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
A wise — A good wife; one that deserves the name, and performs the duty of that relation.
Favour — Obtains her not by his own diligence, but by God's good providence.
Verse 24
[24] A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
A man — Heb. A man of friends; who desires the friendship of others.