Proverbs 18:3 Commentary and Bible Study

Solomon now advances to the result of the individualism and self-expression described in the last two proverbs. The first part of the verse could mean that the wicked are full of scorn for others and so bring contempt with them which they heap on those around them. However there is greater force to the interpretation which sees the wicked as inadvertently bringing their own shame with them because of the contempt that their behaviour arouses in all who know them, and this agrees better with the second half of the verse. It also relates better to the previous verse and adds the note of shame attached to those who only wish seek self-expression. Ignominy or dishonour is evidently Solomon’s evaluation of what the wicked deserve. It is this that invites reproach on them. The contempt attaches to them like a bad smell does to one who has not washed; when one comes, then comes the other too. This is far from being what the wicked intend or desire, but they cannot escape the law of consequences which continues to operate whether they like it or not. We live in God’s world not our own, and when wicked men and women think they can ignore the statutes of God, then the penalty for doing so catches up with them. Of course, in order to dispel contempt the wicked work hard to redefine morality, and to some extent they are successful, for they recruit many other like-minded wanderers to join them in their rebellion. But that is only true within the bubble of unreality which they inflate around them and the Day of Judgment will pop it, leaving them naked before God. What is man’s short-term redefinition of righteousness worth, when it will be dismissed so easily?