Proverbs 18:10

🏰 Proverbs 18:10 (NKJV)

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.”

📖 Context and Structure of Proverbs 18

Proverbs 18[i] is part of the larger collection of Solomon’s wisdom sayings. The chapter contrasts wise and foolish speech, the power of words, and the security found in God versus worldly wealth. Proverbs 18:10 stands out as a poetic declaration of divine refuge, immediately followed by verse 11, which contrasts the false security of riches.

🧠 Exegesis of Proverbs 18:10

1. “The name of the Lord”

In biblical theology, the “name” of the Lord refers not merely to a label but to His revealed character and attributes. It encompasses His holiness, justice, mercy, sovereignty, and covenant faithfulness. This aligns with God’s self-revelation in Scripture and His covenantal presence with His people (cf. Exodus 34:5–7[ii]).

2. “Is a strong tower”

A strong tower in ancient times was a fortified refuge, elevated and secure from enemies. It symbolises protection, stability, and safety. The metaphor implies that God Himself is our ultimate defence—unshakable and trustworthy.

3. “The righteous run to it”

This phrase suggests urgency and dependence. The “righteous” are not sinless but those justified by faith, living in covenant relationship with God. This points to believers who trust in Christ alone for salvation and seek refuge in God’s promises.

4. “And are safe”

The Hebrew word translated “safe” (Hebrew: sagab) carries the idea of being lifted high above danger. It is not merely physical safety but spiritual security—being set apart and protected by God’s grace.

🪜 Theological Teaching from Proverbs 18:10

• God’s character is our refuge: The verse teaches that believers find true safety not in circumstances or wealth but in the unchanging nature of God.
• Faith leads to action: The righteous “run” to God, showing that faith is active, not passive. It involves seeking Him in prayer, Scripture, and obedience.
• Contrast with worldly security: Proverbs 18:11 describes the rich man’s wealth as a “high wall in his own esteem,” highlighting the illusion of self-sufficiency. This juxtaposition warns against trusting in material things.

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🧭 Application for Modern Christian Living

• In times of anxiety or crisis, Christians are called to run to God—not to social status, money, or human solutions. This means turning to Scripture, prayer, and the fellowship of believers.
• Daily dependence on God: The verse encourages cultivating a habit of seeking God’s presence, not just in emergencies but as a lifestyle.
• Gospel-centred refuge: In Christ, the name of the Lord becomes our strong tower. Jesus embodies the fullness of God’s name (John 17:6[iii]), and through Him, we are made righteous and secure.

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[i] Proverbs 18

New King James Version

The Name of the Lord Is a Strong Tower

18 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;
He rages against all [a]wise judgment.

2 A fool has no delight in understanding,
But in expressing his own heart.

3 When the wicked comes, contempt comes also;
And with dishonor comes reproach.

4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;
The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.

5 It is not good to show partiality to the wicked,
Or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

6 A fool’s lips enter into contention,
And his mouth calls for blows.
7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction,
And his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a [b]talebearer are like [c]tasty trifles,
And they go down into the [d]inmost body.

9 He who is slothful in his work
Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.

10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
The righteous run to it and are [e]safe.
11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
And like a high wall in his own esteem.

12 Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty,
And before honor is humility.

13 He who answers a matter before he hears it,
It is folly and shame to him.

14 The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness,
But who can bear a broken spirit?

15 The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge,
And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16 A man’s gift makes room for him,
And brings him before great men.

17 The first one to plead his cause seems right,
Until his neighbor comes and examines him.

18 Casting lots causes contentions to cease,
And keeps the mighty apart.

19 A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city,
And contentions are like the bars of a castle.

20 A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth;
From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.

22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing,
And obtains favor from the Lord.

23 The poor man uses entreaties,
But the rich answers roughly.

24 A man who has friends [f]must himself be friendly,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Footnotes

1. Proverbs 18:1 sound wisdom
2. Proverbs 18:8 gossip or slanderer
3. Proverbs 18:8 A Jewish tradition wounds
4. Proverbs 18:8 Lit. rooms of the belly
5. Proverbs 18:10 secure, lit. set on high
6. Proverbs 18:24 So with Gr. mss., Syr., Tg., Vg.; MT may come to ruin

[ii] Exodus 34:5-7

New King James Version

5 Now the Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. 6 And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, 7 keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.”

[iii] John 17:6

New King James Version

Jesus Prays for His Disciples

6 “I have [a]manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word.

Footnotes

1. John 17:6 revealed