Reflections on Scripture

Proverbs - Chapter 18

Entered: June 22, 2009
Solomon continues to address topics of a similar nature to those of previous chapters while bringing to them new insights. One of these frequent topics is the tongue, which is prominent in this chapter. Is not Solomon's interest in addressing the tongue in his wisdom material because the tongue is the main instrument one has for wielding his influence, either for good or for bad? It is so powerful, Solomon says in this chapter, that it holds the power of life and death. Because of this power, we enjoy wielding the tongue for our purposes. But we often do so to our own detriment, for we can also trap ourselves with our tongue and bring strife and devastation upon ourselves. If so foolishly inclined, we will also fail to listen, giving answers before we fully know the situation. Nor are we interested in understanding - only in showing off our opinions. Thus, instead of displaying our wisdom, as we suppose we are doing, we reveal our ignorance and foolishness.

Is one interested in justice? Then he will hear both sides of the argument before making a judgment or forming his opinion. Neither will he pervert justice due the innocent in partiality to the guilty. We touched on this issue in the previous chapter. In our court systems it is not always possible to get to the truth for lack of evidence and reliable witnesses. So on which side of justice do we err? Is it in protecting the innocent or the guilty? Solomon cautions against overbalancing the scales toward perverting justice due the innocent in favor of the guilty. In my opinion, this is an error U.S. courts has been increasingly propagating over the last couple of decades. It has become increasingly difficult to rule against the guilty, even when guilt is obvious, due to the technicalities that have been established. Technicalities that have so overbalanced the system in partiality to the guilty that justice due the innocent is often withheld from them.

Concerning Conflict, Solomon says an effective tool for resolving them is the casting of lots. In his culture, the casting of lots was a method of determining God's will. It was understood that in asking for God's guidance and then casting the lots, God would direct the outcome according to His will. New Testament understanding of seeking God's guidance is more personal than this, with the presence of God's Spirit in us to give us understanding of His will. The point of Solomon's counsel here is the seeking of God's guidance in resolving conflict. The key to this approach is the submission of all parties to God's will and guidance. Without this willing submission, resolution of conflict is not easily obtained, thus leading so frequently to violence rather than resolution.

I will wrap up with the topic of Pride, leaving a number of topics uncovered. These uncovered topics are single statements which are actually worthy of our attention, even though I am choosing not to address them in my reflections. The topic of pride is closely attached to that of conflict. Great insight is not required to recognize that pride is nearly always a strong contributing factor to conflict. Both in bringing the conflict and in failure to resolve it. Solomon tells us in this chapter that pride leads to a man's downfall, but that humility leads to honor. It has often been a person's pride that has driven them to conflict, conflict, even, that leads to their death. All, supposedly, to protect their honor. But Solomon tells us that is backwards. It is through humility one gains honor. One's honor is lost through pride and conflict.

Entered: April 13, 2015

Solomon gives considerable attention once again, in chapter 18, to the power of the tongue. Through our words, he says, we have the ability to give life and impart a fountain of wisdom. But through our words we can also bring death and provoke strife. To give an answer before listening is foolishness and disgraceful for the one speaking. The one who does not use his words wisely will find his mouth to bring devastation and his lips to be a trap for his life. But when words are used wisely, a man's mouth can be a fountain of wisdom.

We might say that wise or foolish use of the mouth begins with acceptance or rejection of wise counsel and knowledge. Seeking after knowledge and counsel is another topic Solomon addresses in this chapter. If one isolates himself, he says, removing himself from contact with others from whom he can receive counsel, he rebels against sound judgment. There are also those, he says, who rebel against sound judgment and reject understanding, but do so, not by isolating themselves, but by listening only to themselves, showing off their own opinions. But if one is discerning, he will acquire knowledge, and wisely seek after it.

Another topic Solomon addresses is justice and conflict. On this subject, he counsels us not to accept a person's story regarding a conflict without cross-examing him. Then the story may not seem so convincing. Neither should we listen to only one side of a conflict. Neither is justice served when partiality is shown to the guilty party. Better than seeking to make right a conflict, Solomon says, is to avoid conflict in the first place. Once a brother is offended a fortress is thrown up between him and the one who offended him which makes the conflict very hard to resolve. Interestingly, Solomon suggests, as a good solution to quarrels, the casting of lots. It is unclear whether he was referring to the Old Testament practice of casting lots by those who worshipped God as a means of seeking God's guidance in the matter, or simply referred to it as a practical means of resolving a conflict. Either way, while the practice may be useful in resolving a conflict it may not be particularly helpful in restoring a broken relationship due to the conflict.

These are the predominate topics in the chapter. Several others are given only a passing mention.