With Dishonor Comes Reproach
December 24, 2021
Commentary
A man who is not sociable cares only for his own selfish concerns (v. 1). His separation is not for God’s glory but for his own pleasure. A fool is “closed minded” and “open mouthed.” He doesn’t want to gain knowledge; he only wants to share his views (v. 2). A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small package. An interesting progression is suggested: “contempt” leads to “shame” and “shame” leads to “disgrace” (v. 3). Unlike the fool who airs his unwise ideas, a wise person’s words are helpful and encouraging (v. 4). It’s wrong to favor the guilty and keep the innocent from getting justice (v. 5). A fool constantly gets in trouble because he speaks from a corrupt heart. His mouth eventually will lead him to destruction if he does not repentance (vv. 6-7). He who thinks by the inch and talks by the yard deserves to be kicked by the foot.
The fool enjoys listening to the gossiper, swallowing every word as if it is delicious food (v. 8). Half-truths quickly become full blown lies and the lives of the innocent are destroyed. It only takes a few minutes for a gossiper to tear down a man’s reputation. That is why God’s Word repeatedly condemns gossip. Being lazy is no different from being a troublemaker (v. 9). The LORD is a mighty tower where his people can run for safety (v. 10). The rich think their money is a wall of protection, but they are sadly mistaken (v. 11). The government may cease to back it, thieves may steal it, inflation may rob it of all value, however God never loses His power. Pride leads to destruction; humility leads to honor (v. 12).
Application
I need to think about my life. Have I separated myself from the things that are good, like a daily Quiet-Time, family devotions, going to prayer meeting, etc? On the other hand have I separated myself from things that are bad, like watching drinking, killing and immorality on the television? It is important what I separate myself from anything that does not glorify God.
Proverbs 18:1– 12 (NET)
1 One who has isolated himself seeks his own desires; he rejects all sound judgment.
2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding but only in disclosing what is on his mind.
3 When a wicked person arrives, contempt shows up with him, and with shame comes a reproach.
4 The words of a person’s mouth are like deep waters, and the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.
5 It is terrible to show partiality to the wicked, by depriving a righteous man of justice.
6 The lips of a fool enter into strife, and his mouth invites a flogging.
7 The mouth of a fool is his ruin, and his lips are a snare for his life.
8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; and they have gone down into the person’s innermost being.
9 The one who is slack in his work is a brother to one who destroys.
10 The name of the Lord is like a strong tower; the righteous person runs to it and is set safely on high.
11 The wealth of a rich person is like a strong city, and it is like a high wall in his imagination.
12 Before destruction the heart of a person is proud, but humility comes before honor.
Illustration: Wind Blew The Flowers Into The Confederate Section
When the first Memorial Day was celebrated, a group of women from Washington D.C. asked the War Department for permission to put flowers on the soldiers’ graves at Arlington Cemetery. After a lot of haggling, permission was finally granted on the condition that no flowers be placed on the graves of the Confederate soldiers who were buried in a segregated section of the cemetery. The ladies carried out their task, careful to follow these instructions. But after they had finished and returned home, a strong wind blew almost all the flowers onto the Confederate section of the cemetery. After that the separation was never repeated. Many believed that all this was due to divine intervention. (Source Unknown, Lou Nicholes – Missionary/Author).