Title: Unsocial evil deeds (Proverbs 18:1-9)
Contents 1. The call for true wisdom In verses 1-2, it says, “He who separates himself from the crowd follows his own desires and rejects all kinds of true wisdom. A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in revealing his will.” Those who are divided by themselves from the crowd, and only those who meet their own will gather to pursue things according to their own desires, shun the wisdom of God. They only develop their own opinions and reject the opinions of others unconditionally regardless of whether they are right or wrong. These are people who have no action, only words. But the understanding person obeys the truth and strives to accomplish its will. They also make concessions for mutual reconciliation in the truth, but they keep the truth firmly from lies.
2. Contempt and reproach of the wicked Verse 3 says, “When the evil one comes, contempt follows, and when the shameful comes, reproach also comes.” People do evil, but they are proud of it and go that way because it is good. But in the end they are despised and humiliated for it. Man cannot live in the midst of such contempt and humiliation. We can see that Adam and Eve also hid from the face of God after they sinned against God. Because we are all sinners, we had no choice but to be ashamed, but as a result of Jesus' atonement for us, we are able to obtain a sanctified image.
3. The words of the understanding and the wise In verse 4 it is said, “The words of the mouth of a man of understanding are like deep waters, and the fountains of the wise are like flowing streams.” The understanding person has eternal life and dwells in abundance because he is continually supplied with the Word of God. Thus, they show others the hope to live and the bright path of truth. That is why those who can listen to the wise can enter into new life.
4. A fair trial Verse 5 says, “It is not good to defend the wicked, or to oppress the righteous in judgment.” The Bible records examples of people judging the righteous unjustly. Ahab's false trial against Naboth in 1 Kings 21, Pilate's false trial against Jesus in Mark 15 and Luke 23, etc. However, those who practiced this unrighteous judgment were judged by God for their sins. A fair trial in this world will be held on the day the Lord returns to this earth.