Proverbs – Chapter 18

Old Testament24 Verses

1He that hath a mind to depart from a friend, seeketh occasions: he shall ever be subject to reproach.

2A fool receiveth not the words of prudence: unless thou say those things which are in his heart.

3The wicked man, when he is come into the depths of sins, contemneth: but ignominy and reproach follow him.

4Words from the mouth of a man are as deep water: and the fountain of wisdom is an overflowing stream.

5It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to decline from the truth of judgment.

6The lips of a fool intermeddle with strife: and his mouth provoketh quarrels.

7The mouth of a fool is his destruction: and his lips are the ruin of his soul.

8The words of the double tongued are as if they were harmless: and they reach even to the inner parts of the bowels. Fear casteth down the slothful: and the souls of the effeminate shall be hungry.

9He that is loose and slack in his work, is the brother of him that wasteth his own works.

10The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the just runneth to it, and shall be exalted.

11The substance of the rich man is the city of his strength, and as a strong wall compassing him about.

12Before destruction, the heart of a man is exalted: and before he be glorified, it is humbled.

13He that answereth before he heareth, sheweth himself to be a fool, and worthy of confusion.

14The spirit of a man upholdeth his infirmity: but a spirit that is easily angered, who can bear?

15A wise heart shall acquire knowledge: and the ear of the wise seeketh instruction.

16A man's gift enlargeth his way, and maketh him room before princes.

17The just is first accuser of himself: his friend cometh, and shall search him.

18The lot suppresseth contentions, and determineth even between the mighty.

19A brother that is helped by his brother, is like a strong city: and judgments are like the bars of cities.

20Of the fruit of a man's mouth shall his belly be satisfied: and the offspring of his lips shall fill him.

21Death and life are in the power of the tongue: they that love it, shall eat the fruits thereof.

22He that hath found a good wife, hath found a good thing, and shall receive a pleasure from the Lord. He that driveth away a good wife, driveth away a good thing: but he that keepeth an adulteress, is foolish and wicked.

23The poor will speak with supplications, and the rich will speak roughly.

24A man amiable in society, shall be more friendly than a brother.

Reflection for Today

The message of Proverbs Chapter 18 unfolds within the broader narrative of wisdom for daily living. Catholic theology, drawing on Christ is the Wisdom of God incarnate (CIC 721), sees in this chapter a call to deeper faith. The principle that The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom guides our interpretation.

The Church Fathers, including St. Augustine, St. Jerome, and St. John Chrysostom, devoted themselves to explaining Scripture for the faithful. Their insights, preserved in the Church's Tradition, continue to illuminate our reading. The Catechism reminds us that "the Church has always venerated the divine Scriptures as she venerated the Body of the Lord" (CIC 103).

As you engage with this chapter, bring your questions, struggles, and hopes to the text. God's Word addresses the whole person—mind, heart, and will. Through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, we receive the grace to live what we read. May this chapter strengthen your faith and deepen your love for Christ and His Church.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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