Proverbs 18 – if you haven’t read my thoughts on the book of Proverbs yet, you’ll want to do so here. This isn’t a comprehensive look at each verse, but it is how God spoke to me through particular chapter of His Word at this particular chapter in my life. I encourage you to read the full chapter in your own Bible first so you can see how God wants to speak to you through this chapter, and so you don’t miss out on the verses I didn’t cover. I hope it can speak to you as well, and I hope you are encouraged to seek Him in His Word. And if you missed Proverbs 17, you should also check that out here. Otherwise, on to Proverbs 18!

18:1-2 – Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense. Fools have no interest in understanding, they only want to air their own opinions (NLT). Prayer – God, help me to see others, and not only care about myself or my comfort. Help me stay silent, and listen to others to understand them, not just listen only enough to figure out what I want to say next.

18:1 – He who separates himself indulges his desires and shows contempt for sound advice of any kind (CJB). Prayer – God, help me not give in to the temptation to withdraw from community when things get difficult. Remind me that I am not better off on my own, because You created me as a relational being. Teach me how to value and follow sound advice.

18:4 – Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook (NLT). Prayer – God, let that be true of me!

18:10 – The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe (NLT). God’s name alone is a fortress and refuge for us. But for God to be a refuge for us, we have to trust Him, and learn how to run to Him. What does it look like to run to God? For me, it looks like sitting and being still and worshipping Him, even when everything inside me is screaming that I don’t want to be patient, and that I should be doing something about my problem. And it’s difficult. But on the other end of that, the result is staggeringly better and more beautiful than we could have ever imagined or done on our own.

18:11 – The wealth of the rich is his fortified city, like a high wall, in his own imagination (CJB). Prayer – God, help me to trust first and foremost in you, and not in just my resources.

18:13 – Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish (NLT). Don’t I know that to be true from firsthand experience. Prayer – God, teach me how to really listen. Teach me to stay quiet until someone is completely finished speaking. Help me to listen for the purpose of understanding the other person, and not listening just to formulate my next comment.

18:15 – Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge (NLT). Prayer – God, let this be true of me!

18:21 – Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit (CSB). Prayer – God, help me to speak life and encouragement around me, and to be so careful to not speak degrading or careless comments that make irreparable damage.

Friend, I have prayed these same prayers over you today. I pray that you will learn better each day how to really listen to those around you. May you find how to trust in God and run to him more each day. And I pray you will never stop learning wisdom from God’s Word.

Until next time,

– Just a girl pursuing her reflection in the mirror of God’s Word.

Scripture quotations marked (CJB) are taken from the Complete Jewish Bible, Copyright © 1998 and 2016 by David H. Stern. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (CSB) are taken from the Christian Standard Bible® Copyright© 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.