Proverbs 18:2

(5 min)

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,

but only in expressing his opinion.

Press play to listen to the context🎙️🎧

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Wisdom literature: Proverbs 🤓

• Author: Solomon. While he was king, Israel reached its pinnacle spiritually, politically, culturally, and economically. Foreign leaders from across the known world traveled long distances to hear Solomon speak.
• Audience: Proverbs was originally composed in Hebrew for Jewish readers who wanted to live wisely and righteously.
• When: Most were written ~900 BC during King Solomon’s reign over the nation of Israel. That said, it wasn’t in its final form until the time of King Hezekiah (726—697 BC), which means it was likely compiled for the people of Judah during this time period.

The Uniqueness of Proverbs 💎

A “proverb” is a short, pithy saying stating a general truth or piece of advice. 

They are meant to convey general wisdom about how the world usually works.

Unlike other books of the Bible, Proverbs is primarily made up of wise sayings rather than a narrative. 

So rather than being read in a continuous passage, they can be read and understood even when read independently.

That said, Proverbs has a unique ability to become richer the more you understand the overarching narrative of the Bible. 

AND it enriches the rest of Scripture when you know Proverbs well.

The Wise vs. The Fool 🤡

The central theme throughout Proverbs is the contrast between unwise (the fool) & the wise person.

The wise person follows God and His ways, ultimately leading to blessing. 

The fool lives without God and His ways, ultimately leading to destruction.

Easier memorized than applied 😬🗳️🎄

A useful definition of Wisdom is this: knowledge applied or lived out.

While this verse is shorter and easier to memorize than some other passages we’ve done so far, this one tends to be harder to live by.

Consider where we are - we’re about to enter the holidays as well as the next election cycle.

Which means we’re bound to be rubbing literal shoulders with friends & family as well as virtual shoulders with strangers on the internet.

Don’t point the finger, look in the mirror 🪞

Our instinct can often be to memorize this Scripture and quote it to the people in our lives who you think share their opinions too quickly.

“Boom! Proverbs 18:2. God said it. You’re being a fool.”

Slow down.

This Proverb is first for you.

Imagine… 💭

Imagine an election cycle or Thanksgiving discussion where Christians lead by example and are quick to listen, understand, research - and slow to air out our opinions.

I can’t help but wonder how much more winsome it would be for us all to genuinely seek to understand people who we disagree with.

Memorize this Proverb and let it orient your own heart and interactions this fall.

Have a great week 🙏

Isaac and Kieran