Proverbs 18

READ CHAPTER 18 OF PROVERBS ON YOUR OWN,

OR FOLLOW THE LINK HERE TO READ IT ONLINE!

  

 VERSE TO MEMORIZE THIS WEEK: 

There are many plans in a man’s heart,
Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.

What is desired in a man is kindness,
And a poor man is better than a liar.

The fear of the Lord leads to life,
And he who has it will abide in satisfaction;
He will not be visited with evil. 

Proverbs 19:21-23 NKJV

EXTRA VERSES TO MEMORIZE:

*Proverbs 18:10 (NKJV) 

The name of the Lord is a strong tower;

The righteous run to it and are safe.

*Proverbs 14:26-27 (NIV)
Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress,
    and for their children it will be a refuge. 

The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
    turning a person from the snares of death.

 

We are surrounded by foolishness, folly, pride and, yes, fools! All around us we watch people go after their own lusts and seek out their own fulfillment (devoid of God). They not only want those of us who are seeking to live holy lives to look the other way, but it seems they are bent on us accepting, condoning and even embracing their foolishness.

I Googled to try to find out how many times “The Fool” and foolishness are mentioned in Proverbs. One site stated 43 times (http://paradoxbiblechurch.org/2011/06/proverbs-the-fool-sermon/); another said 56 and another said about 200! So I decided to count……then I gave up because that was taking forever! I think you’ll agree that the words fool, foolishness, and folly are mentioned A LOT. Each time these words are used there are also consequences listed; and usually an opposite action performed and consequence (or reward) received by the WISE.

The fool is directly mentioned in three verses of Proverbs Chapter 18. I chose those three plus three others to focus on today.

Verses 2, 6, & 7 tell us that a fool’s speech will cause him great trouble.

(Vs. 2) He delights in expressing his own heart. In other words, giving his opinions and ideas and “tooting his own horn;” pushing his agendas and ideas. He “has no delight” in listening to others or seeking out authorities or people who are wiser than him on a subject.

(Vs. 6) The fool likes to argue (“enter into contention”). He doesn’t have to have a point or even have great passion for the subject matter, he just likes to argue and cause strife. He loves to be heard and will take every opportunity to babble on and on without thought to logic or relevance. This verse says, “his mouth calls for blows.” He may not receive blows, but he’s asking for it! It will take great restraint for the wise to walk away from an exchange with the fool without “adjusting his attitude.”

(Vs. 7) This verse is a continuation of verse 6. Once a fool starts “spouting-off” ignorance, he spirals deeper and deeper into a hole from which he cannot escape. Once he has said too much and gotten himself into trouble, he will try to defend or justify with that same vessel (the tongue) that got him in his predicament in the first place. This leads to more entanglement (a snare) and more trouble for the fool. Proverbs 10:19 says, “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.”

Verses 1, 12, & 20 do not use the word “fool” but they are about him, none the less.

(Vs. 1) In the movie “Kingdom Come,” when Raynelle’s husband passes away, the pastor is apparently at a loss for something good to say about the mean man. He finally says, “He was a quiet man, he kept his own counsel…” This is not a compliment! Verse 1 of Proverbs 18 says a man that isolates himself and seeks his own counsel is one who “rages against all wise judgment.” That means that you cannot keep your own counsel and be wise. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established.” Hebrews 10:25 says, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” God’s plan is for us to spend time with our brothers and sisters in Christ exhorting one another and giving and receiving wise counsel.

(Vs. 12) Verses 2, 6, & 7 are evidence that the fool is haughty and prideful. He thinks only of his own understanding and what he has to say. Verse 12 reinforces the principle that these foolish actions and thoughts will lead to destruction. If someone desires honor, they must first be humble and submit to the authority of those who have been placed over them. They must recognize their true abilities (and deficiencies) and strive to improve by listening to other Godly people with more experience.

(Vs. 20) Lastly, a fool will get what he deserves. “Satisfaction” often has the connotation of someone receiving something that is pleasing or good. But “to satisfy” can also mean simply, “to fill.” “A man’s stomach (life) shall be satisfied (filled) from (as a result of) the fruit of his mouth.” We will receive, in plenty, whatever comes as a result of our words, good or bad. If we choose our words wisely and speak carefully, our lives will be filled with good things. If we speak out of the abundance of our ignorance, and disdain the counsel of wise friends, our lives will be filled with bad and hard things of our own making.

Proverbs is full of treasure for daily living. It is practical and applicable in all areas of our lives. If you are participating in this study, be sure to slow down and allow what you are reading to sink in and take root. The Lord will show you new things about Himself (and about yourself) if you will be still and let Him.

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrew 4:12

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: TIFFANY KILPATRICK is the wife of 11 years to Shannon Keith, and Mother (and step-mother) to 5 boys ranging from 15 to 23 years old.  She is a Middle School English Teacher, and was the school Librarian before that.  Tiffany and her family attend Freedom Fellowship in Silsbee, Texas, where she sings on the Praise Team.