Meditationen am Gnadenstuhl: Proverbs 18:19-24 Avoiding Fools & Foolishness Pt.4

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Proverbs 18:19–24

[19] A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city,

and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.

[20] From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied;

he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.

[21] Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

and those who love it will eat its fruits.

[22] He who finds a wife finds a good thing

and obtains favor from the Lord.

[23] The poor use entreaties,

but the rich answer roughly.

[24] A man of many companions may come to ruin,

but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (ESV)

Avoiding Fools & Foolishness Pt.4

v.19 This verse connects to verse 18 by the word “quarrel.” “Brother” here likely refers to a friend in the faith. He is more difficult to win over in a dispute because of a sense of betrayal. It is easy to build walls and bars over windows with offenses, but difficult to regain favor and trust in order to tear them down again.

v.20 The next two verses deal once again with the power of the tongue, linked by the word “fruit.” A good speaker can make his living by his words (see Proverbs 12:14; 13:2). This is especially relevant to a faithful preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (John 4:35-36; 1 Corinthians 9:14; 1 Timothy 5:17-18).

v.21 This verse expands from making one’s living by one’s words to their power to change, give, and even take life. As we have learned in many such proverbs, words have consequences, such as the speech of a judge or jury. The Word of God coming from a person's mouth has the power of the Law to convict sinners and the power of the Gospel to give everlasting life to those who believe. Every Christian wields this power: it is the power of the Word itself, not the individual. Pastors hold the Office of the Keys, where he pronounces holy absolution or retains the sins of the unrepentant until such time that he repents (see I Corinthians 5:3-5, 13; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11).

Line two says those who love the tongue will eat its fruit. This is also true of the pastor whose own sins are condemned by the preaching of the Law to the people. Likewise, his preaching to them of the Gospel applies to himself, bringing the same benefits.

v.22 The blessings of marriage include God's favor because marriage between believers strengthens the faith of both.

v.23 This and many other proverbs (10:15; 14:20; 18:11; 19:4, 7; 22:7) point out the weak and dependent position of the poor in contrast to the rich, who tend to be independent and secure. This is a secular observation, not a spiritual call to acquire earthly wealth. It makes sense when one considers how easy it is for the wealthy to be godless when they depend only on themselves and do not see the hand of God in their lives, while the poor know they are dependent on the mercy of the Lord.

v.24 Human relationships are complicated and flighty. Friends often lash out at one another. Groups of friends may then divide and take sides. Similarly, many friends together may not be able to prevent one person from self-destructive behavior. Human relationships are not able to save only the Lord. A faithful friend who is a strong believer, however, will remain constant and loving regardless of circumstance, as he models himself on the Lord's love, which is limitless and eternally faithful.