The Name of the Lord

Chapter 18 begins with warnings against isolation and pride. A man who isolates himself pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment. A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion. He who answers before he hears, that is folly and shame to him. He who pleads his cause first seems right— until another comes and questions him. Good judgment requires patience and listening.

At the center is a contrast between two kinds of safety. Yahweh's name is a strong tower: the righteous run to him, and are safe. The rich man's wealth is his strong city, like an unscalable wall in his own imagination. God's name stands for His character and power. Wealth only feels safe. Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility.

The tongue has great power. The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: they go down into a person's innermost parts. A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city. Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit. There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. In the New Testament, Paul writes, For, Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13).