Proverbs: Chapter 18

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

Salient points:

• Fools enjoy conversation but do not change their views; they only air them (v.2). Avoid such discussions -- advice seconded by Paul in the Pastoral Epistles (e.g. 2 Tim 14,23-26).
• Note how various proverbs are connected, often quite loosely. See 18:1-2; 18:10-11; 18:17-19.
• Note the delightful way the Hebrew language gets across the idea of how our words get us into trouble: "A fool's lips walk into a fight" (18:6 ESV). The image of walking lips is memorable.
• Slackness has something in common with destruction (v.9).
• There is a difference between gifts and bribes (v.16). Some gifts subvert justice; others simply grease the creaky wheels of bureaucracy. Generally speaking, the bribe/gift passages in Proverbs are only observations, neither commending nor condemning such practices.
• It's important to hear both sides of a matter (v.17), otherwise lack of due diligence (or perhaps confirmation bias) will ensure we never change our mind!

Versions:

• Today: NIV + The Jewish Bible
• Tomorrow: NIV + NAB (a Roman Catholic version)

Challenge:

• No slackness!
• "Do it now! Today will be yesterday tomorrow."
• "Some things have to be put off dozens of times before they completely slip our minds."

Next: Proverbs 19