Proverbs 18:2 Commentary and Bible Study

The man in this proverb is very similar to the last, but this time the focus is on the distorted love of self-expression that obstructs any real effort to gain understanding. Of course the proverb looks under the surface because the fool would never admit this fault. The words that come out of his mouth are designed to show how great his understanding is, how wise he is. He imagines that he pours out knowledge upon others and gives all around him the benefit of his great learning. He works hard to impress and if others go away thinking that they have been enriched by his words, he is content. But as for real learning, that eludes him, and ironically what stops him gaining real wisdom is his self-conceit and eagerness to display the knowledge that he thinks he has. He will never receive the wisdom that comes down from above while his eyes are on himself, for that wisdom comes from fixing our eyes on Christ and forgetting about self. We must look outside of ourselves to one who is the fountain of wisdom before we can grow, but to look at self is to limit our knowledge and to prevent God’s knowledge from ever reaching us.