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Proverbs / The Power of Words and the Nature of Companionship
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Introduction: The Purpose of Proverbs and the Fear of the Lord Warning Against Enticement by Sinners Wisdom's Public Call and the Folly of Rejection The Value of Wisdom and Its Protection Trusting God and Walking in Wisdom A Father's Exhortation to Hold Fast to Wisdom Warning Against Adultery and a Call to Fidelity Warnings: Surety, Laziness, and Wickedness Obey Parental Commands and the Dangers of Adultery The Example of a Young Man Seduced Wisdom's Proclamation and Blessings Contrasting Invitations of Wisdom and Folly Solomon's Proverbs: Contrasts of Righteousness and Folly Proverbs on Justice, Integrity, and Righteous Living Wise Conduct, Diligence, and Righteous Speech Discipline, Wealth, and the Wise Child Sayings on Wisdom, Folly, and the Fear of the Lord The Power of Speech and the Benefits of Wisdom God's Sovereignty Over Human Plans Relations and Righteousness: Peace, Speech, and Integrity The Power of Words and the Nature of Companionship Advice on Wealth, Conduct, and Discipline Counsel, Justice, and Warnings Against Excess Divine Sovereignty, Justice, and the King's Role Reputation, Generosity, and Child Discipline Sayings of the Wise: Practical Moral Instruction Solomon's Proverbs on Restraint and Leadership Folly and Foolish Behavior in Speech and Deeds Friendship, Counsel, and Practical Wisdom for Life Justice, Righteousness, and the Results of Rebellion Discipline, Leadership, and Social Order The Sayings of Agur: Humility and Observations Advice to King Lemuel and the Virtuous Woman

The Power of Words and the Nature of Companionship

Proverbs 18:1-24

18
Chapter 18
1 For desire he seeks the separated; in all sound insight he is revealed. 2 A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in the revealing of his heart. 3 When a wicked one comes, contempt also comes, and with disgrace comes shame. 4 Deep waters are the words of a man's mouth; a stream, a spring bubbling up, source of wisdom. 5 It is not good to lift up the face of the wicked, to tilt the righteous in judgment. 6 The lips of a fool come into a dispute, and his mouth calls for blows. 7 The mouth of a fool is a ruin to him, and his lips are a snare to his Nephesh. 8 The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, and they go down into the chambers of the belly. 9 One who is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys. 10 The name of the LORD is a tower of might; the righteous one runs into it and is exalted. 11 The wealth of a rich man is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination. 12 Before his bread provisions exalt a man's heart, and before glory, humility. 13 One who answers a matter before he hears it—it is folly to him and shame. 14 A man's spirit sustains his sickness, but who can bear a crushed spirit? 15 A discerning heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 16 A man's gift will make room for him and lead him before great ones. 17 The righteous one is first in his own controversy, but when his companion comes, he probes him. 18 The lot will cause quarrels to cease, and it will separate between mighty ones. 19 A brother offended is more than a city of might, and descendants of Midian like the bar of a palace. 20 From the fruit of a man's mouth his belly will be satisfied; the produce of his lips will satisfy him. 21 Death and life are in the hand of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. 22 He who finds a wife finds good and obtains favor from the LORD. 23 The poor speaks with supplications, and the rich answers with impudence. 24 A man of friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.