Proverbs 18:1-24

Verse Proverbs 18:1. The protest of this proverb is against the self-satisfaction which makes a man separate himself from the thoughts and opinions of others. Such a one finally "rages against," or "quarrels with all sound wisdom."

Verse Proverbs 18:9. This plainly teaches that there can be no middle course between construction and destruction. Every man is contributing something to the commonwealth, or is a wastrel.

Verses Proverbs 18:10. Each of these verses taken separately constitutes a perfect proverb; but the force of either is diminished unless we note the antithesis created by considering them together. On the one hand, the true refuge of the soul is declared. On the other, a false refuge is described.

Verse Proverbs 18:24. The whole force of this proverb lies in the contrast between the word "friends" and the word "friend." In the first case the word would perhaps be best expressed in modem language by the word "acquaintance." The second word needs to be rendered rover." The whole teaching of the proverb is that one true friend is a lover, and is worth more than a multitude of acquaintances, who are likely to lead into extravagances and evil courses.