Prov 18:1 An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment.

Prov 18:2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.

A complete contrast to v15.

A fool finds no pleasure in understanding – ‘He has no true delight in it; it is only to please his friends or save his credit; he does not love his book, nor his business, nor his Bible, nor his prayers; he would rather be playing the fool with his sports.’ (MHC)

delights in airing his own opinions – ‘Self-assertion, talking about himself and his own opinions, is his highest joy.’ (Barnes)

Taking the two parts of this (antithetical) proverb together, we see that the fool’s opinions – so readily imposed on others – simply reveal a vacant mind.

Prov 18:3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes disgrace.

Prov 18:4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

Prov 18:5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the innocent of justice.

Prov 18:6 A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.

Prov 18:7 A fool’s mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

Prov 18:8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.

Prov 18:9 One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.

Prov 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Prov 18:11 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it an unscalable wall.

Prov 18:12 Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.

Prov 18:13 He who answers before listening– that is his folly and his shame.

Prov 18:14 A man’s spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?

Prov 18:15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.

Prov 18:16 A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great.

Prov 18:17 The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.

Prov 18:18 Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.

Prov 18:19 An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.

Prov 18:20 From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.

Prov 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Prov 18:22 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.

Prov 18:23 A poor man pleads for mercy, but a rich man answers harshly.

Prov 18:24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.