Psalm CL (continued, part 2)
8,23.) Disapproval of the fact stated is implied. 17. Onesided statements are not reliable, searcheth—thoroughly (ch. 17. 9, 19). 18. The lot^whose disposal is of God (ch.
16. 13), may, properly used, be a right mode of settling disputes. 19. No feuds so difficult of adjustment as these of relatives ; hence great care should be used to avoid them. 30. (Cf. ch. 12. 14 ; 13. 2.) Men's words are the fruit, or, increase of lips, and when good, benefit them. satlsAed tvlth—(Cf. ch. 1. 31 ; 14. 14.) 31. Death and life—or. The greatest evil and good, that love it—i. e., the tongue, or
its use for good or evil, eat . . . fruit>-(Cf. v. 19; James
1.19.) 33. The old versions supply "good" before the "wife," as the last clause, and ch. 19. 14 imply (cf. ch. 31.
10). 33. the rich . . . roughly—he is tolerated because rich, Implying that the estimate «f men by wealth is wrong. 34. A man . . . friendly—better, "A man . . .
(is) to, or may triumph (Psalm 108. 9), or, shout for Joy (Psalm 5. 11), i. e., may congratulate himself." Indeed, there is a Friend who is better than a»brother; such is the "Friend of sinners," who may have been before the writer's mind.
Ver. 1-29. 1. (Cf. ch. 28. 6.) " Rich" for "fool" here. Integrity is bfetter than riches (ch. 15. 16, 17 ; 16. 8). 2. The last illustrates the first clause. Rashness, the result of ignorance, brings trouble. 3. perverteth . .• . wayturns him back from right (ch. 13. 6; James 1. 13); and he blames God for his failures. 4. (Cf. ch. 14. 20). Such facts are often adduced with implied disapprobation. 5. Cf. v,
i, e., that a brother's love is specially seen In adversity. 18. (Cf. ch. 0. 1-5; 11. 1.5.) In the presence, &c.—i. e., he either fails to consult his friend, or to follow his advice. 19. strife—or, contention is, and leads to, sin. he that exalteth liis gate—gratifies a vain loveof costly building, seeketh—or, flndeth, as If he sought (cf. "loveth death," ch. 8. .36). 30. The second clause advances on the first. The ill-natured fail of good, and the cavilling and faultflndlng Incur evil. 31. (Cf. ch. 23. 24.) Different words are rendered by /oo«, both denoting stupidity and impiety, aa. (Cf. ch. 14. 30; 15. 13.) The effect of the mind on the
9, where "perish" explains "not escape" here (cf. Psalm 88.
9, 10). 8. (Cf. Margin; ch. 15. 32.) loveth . . . soul—or, himself, whicli he evinces by regarding his best interests, keepeth—or, regards. 10. (Cf. ch. 17. 7.) The fool is incapable of properly using pleasure as knowledge, yet for him to have it is less incongruous than the undue eleva«
Sundry Observations of J/ocoZ Virtues, PROVERBS XX, XXI. and of their Contrary Vice*,
tell news will hardly keep secrets, flattereth . . . lips—
tioj of servants. Let each abide in liis calling (I Corintliians 7.20). 11. (Cf. cli. li. 29; 16. 32.) Tills inculcation of a forgiving spirit siiows that true religion IsalvVays the same (Matthew 5. 22-24). la. (Cf. ch. IG. 14, 15; 20. 2.) A motive to suljmission to lawful authority. 13. calamity —lit., calamities, varied and many, continual dropping —a perpetual annoyance, wearing out patience. 14. A contrast of men's gifts and God's, who, though author of both blessings, confers tlie latter by His morespecial providence, and—or, but, implying tliat the evils of v. 13 are only avoided by His care. 15. a deep sleep—a state of utter indiflei-ence. Idle soul—or, person (cf. ch. 10. 4; 12.
(cf. Margin; €li. 1. 10). meddle . . . him lit., join. or asso-
ciate with. 20. ills lamp—(Cf. ch. 13.9; 24. 20.) 21. gotten hastily—contrary to God's providence (ch. 28. 20), implying its unjust or easy attainment; hence the man ici punished, or spends freely what he got easily (cf. v. 17). 22. (Cf. Psalm 27. 14; Romans 12. 17-19.) 23. (Cf. v. 10; ch.
11. 1.) 24. Man's goings lit.. Stalely stcj^pings of a strong man. a man—any common man. understand [or, perceive] his . . . way. 25. devouretli . . . holy—or, bet-
ter, who rashly speaks promises, or devotes what is holy, consecrating any thing. This suits better the last clause, which expres.ses a similar view of the results of rashly vowing. 26. (Cf. V. 8.) brlngeth . .'. over them — the wheel was used for threshing grain. The figure denotes severity (cf. Amos 1. 3). 27. The spirit . . . Ijord—men's minds are God's gifts, and thus able to search one another
24). IG. (Cf. ch. 10. 17 ; 13. 13.) despisetli . . . way—opposed to keeping or observing, neglects (ch. IG. 17) (as unwortliy of regard) his moral conduct. 17. (Cf. ch. 14. 21
Psalm 37. 20). hath pity—shown by acts (cf. ilfar-<;m). 18.
(Cf. ch. 13. 24; 23. 13.) let not . . . spare— do not lift up
tliy soul (Vaalm 24. 4 ; 25. 1), i. e., do not desire to his death
(cf. V. 5; ch. 18. 8, 17; 1 Corinthians 2. 11). 28. (Cf. ch. 3. 3;
16. 6, 1'2.) 29. Each age has Its peculiar excellence (ch. Ifl.
a caution to passionate parents against angry chastisement. 19. Repeated efforts of kindness are lost on illnatured persons. 20. (Cf. ch. 13. 18-20.) latter end—(Ch.
31). 30. blueness lit., joining, the process of uniting tiie edges of a wound throws off purulent matter, stripes . . , belly—so punishment provides healing of soul (ch. 18.8), by deterring from evil courses.
5. 11.) In youtli prepare for age. 21. (Cf. ch. 16. 1, 9; Psalm
33. 10. 11.) The failure of man's devices is implied. 32. desire i.e., to do good, indicates a kind disposition (ch.
11. 23j; and tlie poor thus affected are better than liars, who say and do not. 23. The fear . . . life—(Cf. ch. 3. 2.) abide—or, remain contented (1 Timothy 4.8). not visited
Ver. 1-31. 1. rivers—Irrigating channels (Psalm 1. 3), whose course was easily turned (cf. Deuteronomy 11. 10). God disposes even kings as He pleases (ch. 16. 9; Psalm 33.
, . . evil-(ch. 10. 3; Psalm 37. 2.5), as a judgment, in which sense visit is often used (Psalm 89. 32; Jeremiah 6. 15). 24. bosom lit., a wide dish in which the hand was plunged in
15). 2. (Cf. ch. 14. 2; IG. 2-25.) 3. (Cf. Psalm 50. 7-15 ; Isaiah
1. 11, 17.) 4. high look-(Cf. Margin; Psalm 131. 1.) proud heart—or, heart of breadth, one that is swollen (cf. Psalm
eatinij (Matthew 26. 23). Cf. ch. 26. 15, the sentiment expressed with equal irony and less exaggeration. 25. Such
101. 5). ploughing—better lamp, a frequent figure for prosperity (ch. 20. 20), hence joy or delight. 5. The contrast is between steady industry and rashness (cf. ch. 19. 2). 6. The getting— or, what Is obtained (cf. Job 7. 2; Jeremiah '22. 13, Hebrew), vanity ... to and fro—as fleeting as chaff or stubble in the wind (cf. ch. 20. 17-21 ; Psalm
is the benefit of reproof, even the simple profit, much more
tlie wise. 26. Unfilial conduct often condemned (ch. 17.
21-25; 20. 20; Deuteronomy 21. 18,21). 27. Avoid whatever leads from truth. 28. ungodly witness—(cf. Margin), one
false by bad principles (cf. ch. 0. 12). scornetln judgment —sets at naught tlie dictates of justice, devouretli lit., hwalloweth, as sometliing delightful. 29. Their punishment is sure, fixed and ready (cf. ch.3. 34; 10. 13).
6'2. 10). Such gettings are unsatisfactory, them . . , death—act as if they did (ch. 8. 36; 17. 19). 7. robbery— or, destruction, especially oppression, of which they are authors, slinll destroy lit., cut with a saiv (I Kings 7. 9),
i. e., utterly ruin them. Their sins shall be visited on them in kind, to do Judgment—what is just and right. 8. of man—any one, his way is opposed to truth, and also estranged from it. The pure proves himself such by his right conduct. 9. corner—a turret or arbour on the roof, brawling— or contentious, wide house— lit., house of fellowship, or large enough for several families. 10. So strongly does he desire to do evil (Psalm 10.3; Ecclesiastes 8.11), that he will not even spare his friend if in his way. 11. (Cf. ch. 19. 25.) That which the simple learn by the terrors of punishment, the wise learn by teaching. 12. (Cf. Psalm 37.35-38 ; 73.17, 20.) house—family or interests, overthroweth—either supply God (cf. ch. 10. 24), or the word is used impersonally. 13. The principles of retribution, often taught (cf. Psalm 18. 26; Matthew 7. 1-12). 14. The effect of bribery (ch. 17. 23) is enhanced by secresy, as the bribed person does not wish his motives made known. 15. But the just love right, anil neA no bribes. The wicked at last meet destruction, though for a time happy in concealing corruption. 16. the way of understanding—(Cf. ch. 12. 26; 14. 22.) remain i. e., rest as at a journey's end; death will be his unchanging home. 17. Costly luxuries impoverish. 18. (Cf. ch. 11. 8.) By suffering what they had devised for the righteous, or brought on them, the wicked became their ransom, in the usual sense of substitutes (cf. Joshua 7. 26; Esther 7. 9). 19. (Cf.
Ver. 1-30. 1. mocker—or, scorner. Such men are made by wine, raging—or, boisterous as a drunkard, strong driiiSc—made by spicing wine (cf. Isaiah 5. 11, 22); and it may include wine. AcceWeA~lit., erring, or reeling. 2.
(Cf. ch. 10. 12.) Men who resist authority injure themselves (Romans 13. 2). 3. to cease . . . strife—or, better, "tod Weil from or witliout strife," denoting the habit of
life, fool . . . medcUlng—(Ch. 17. 14.) 4. shall . . . beg
—lit., ask (in this sense. Psalm 109. 10). 5. Counsel . . . water i. e., deeply hidden (cli. 18. i; Psalm 13. 2). Tlie wise can discern well. 6. Boasters are unreliable, goodness—or, kind disposition. 7. The conduct of good men proclaims tlieir sou*id principles. God's covenant and their good example .secure blessing to their children (ch.
4. 26 ; Psalm 112. 1, 2). 8. As ch. 14. 35; 16. 10, 15, this is the character of a good king, not of all kings. 9. The interrogation in the afli^niative strengthens tlie implied negation (cf. Jol) 15.14; Ecclesiastes 7.20). 10. Various measures, implying that some are wrong (cf. ch. 11. 1 ; 16. 11). 11. The conduct of children even is the best test of principle (cf. Matthew 7. 16). 12. Hence, of course, God will know all you do (Psalm 94. 9). 13. Activity and diligence contrasted witli sloth (ch. 6. 9; 10. 11). lest . . . poverty—
lit., be deprived of inheritance. 14. when . . . his wayImplying tliat he goes about boasting of his bargains. 15. The contrast denotes tlie greater value of knowledge (cf. ch.3. 14-16). 10. To take the (;aj-nie?i< Implies severe exac-
V. 9.) wilderness—pasture, though uninhabitable ground (Psalm 6.5. 12). 20. The wise, by diligence and care, lay up and Increase wealth, while fools spend lit., sivalloio it up, greedily. 21. He who tries to act justly and kindly (I'salm 34. 14) will prosper and obtain justice and honour. 22. " Wisdom is better than strength" (Ecclesiastes 7. 19;
tion, j.usti fled by the surety's rashness, a strange woman —by some readings, strangers, but the former here, and ch.
27. 13, is allowable, and strengthens the sense. The de-
biiuciiee is less reliabh; than the merely careless. 17. Hread . . . sweet—either as unlawfully (ch. 9. 17) or easily' obtained, mouth . . . gravel—well expresses the pain ond grief given at last. 18. (Cf. ch. 15. 2*2.) Btj careful and ooimidoiate in important plans. 19. Those who love to 398
9. 15). strength . . . thereof—that In which they confide, 23. (Cf. ch. 13. '2, 3; James 3. 6-10.) 24. The reproachful name is deserved by those who treat others with anger and contempt. 25. desire i.e. of ease and idleness
Sundry Observations of Moral Virtues, PEOVERBS XXII—XXIV, and of their Contrary Vices.
men, whose courtesies even you will repent of having accepted, evil eye—or purpose (ch. 22.9; Deuteronomy 15.9; Matthew 6.23). The morsel . . words—j. e., disgusted with his true character, all pleasJint intercourse will be destroyed. 9. (Cf. ch. 9. 8.) " Cast not your pearls," &c. (Matthew 7. 6). 10, 11. (Cf. ch. 22. 22, 23.) Redeemer— or Avenger (Leviticus 25.25, 26; Numbers 35.12), hence Advocate (Job 19.25). plead . . . thee — (Cf. job 31.21; Psalm ;?5. 1 ; 68. 5.) 13. Here begins another series of precepts. 13, 14. While there is little danger that the use of the " Divine ordinance of the rod" will produce bodily harm, there is great hope of spiritual good. 15. 16. The pleasure afforded the teacher by the pupil's progress is a motive to diligence, my reins—(Cf. Psalm 7.9.) 17,18.
brings him to starvation. 36. The sin of covetousness muiivs the sluggard, as the virtue of benevolence the righteous. ii7. God regards tlie heart, and hypocrisy is more odious than open inconsistency, wicked mind— or design (ch. 1.4). 38. (Cf. ch. 19.5.) tliat hearcth—or heeds instruction, and so grows wise. speaketU confaiitly—or sincerely (cf. Habakkuk 1.5), and hence i.s believed (ch. 12. 19; James 1. 19). 39. liardeneth liis face — is obstinate, directeth . . . way— considers it, and acts advisedly. HO, 31. Men's best devices and reliances are vain compared with God's, or without His aid (ch.
19.21; Psalm 20.7; 33.17).
(Cf. Margin.) The prosperity of the wicked is short, an end—or liereafter, another time, when apparent inequal-
Ver. 1-29. I. A good name—(Job 30. S, Hebrew.) Good
Is supplied here from Eccleslastes 7. 1. loving favour kind regard, i. e., of the wise and good. 3. Before God all are on the same footing (cli. 14. 31 ; 17. 5). 3. are punlshrd
ities .shall be adjusted (cf. Psalm 37. 28-38). 19-31. guide
. . , way—or direct thy thoughts to a right course of conduct (cf. ch. 4.4; 9.6). riotous . . . flesh— prodigal, or eating more than necessary. Instead of their Jiesh (cf. Margin), better, "flesh to them," i.e., used for pleasure, drowsiness—the dreamy sleep of the slothful. 33. Hearken i. e., obey (ch. 1.8; Ephesians 6. 1). despise . . . old—adults revere the parents whom, as children, they once obeyed. 33. Buy lit., get (ch. 4.5). truth—gener-
—i.e., for their temerity; for the evil is not necessarily punitive, as the prudent might otherwise be its objects. 4. Iiumillty and the fear of the Lord—are in apposition ; one produces the other. On the results, cf. ch. 3. l(i;
8. 18. 5. lie tliat . . . tlicm—those who properly watch over their own souls are thus preserved from the dangers which attend the way of perverse men (ch. 16. 17). 6. Train—Initiate, or early instruct, the -way—lit., his way, that selected for him in which he should go; for early training secures habitual walking in it. 7. The influence of wealtli sets aside moral distinctions is Implied, and, of course, disapproved (cf. ch. 19. 6; 21. 14, &c.). 8. (Cf. ch.
allj' and specially as opposed to errors of all kinds. 34, 35. (Cf. ch. 10.1; 17.21, 25.) 36-35. A solemn warning against whoredom and drunkenness (Hosea 4. 11). 36. give . . . heart—This is the address of that Divine wisdom so often presented (ch. 8. 1 ; 9. 3, &c.). heart—confidence, observe—or keep, my ways—such as I" teach you (ch. 3. 17; 9.6). 37, 38. deep ditch—a narrow pit, out of which it is hard f*) climb, lieth In wait—to ensnare men into the pit, as hunters entrap game (cf. ch. 22. 14), Increaseth , . . transgressors—(Ch. 5. 8-10.) The vice alluded to is peculiarly hardening to the heart. 39, 30. This picture is often sadly realized now. mixed wine—.
11. 18; Psalm 109. 16-20; Galatians 6.7,8.) the rod . . . fail —his power to do evil will be destroyed. 9. a bountiful rye—t. e., a beneficent disposition, for he giveth . . . poor—liis acts pr(5ve it. 10. Cast out—or drive away, ^corners foster strife by taunts and reviliugs. 11. (Cf. Margin.) piireness of heart— and gentle, kind words win favour, even £i-om kings. 13. preserve—or guard, knowledge—its principles and possessors, overthrow-
(Cf. ch. 9.2; Isaiah 5.11.) 31. when . . . red—the colour denoting greater strength (cf. Genesis 49. 11 ; Deuteronomy
etli — utterly confounds and destroys the wicked. 13. Frivolous excuses satisfy the indolent man's conscience.
32. 14). giveth . . . cup lit., gives its eye, i. e., sparkles, moveth . . . aright—perhaps its foaming Is meant. 33. The acute miseries resulting from drunkenness contrasted with the temptations. 33,34. The moral effects: it inflames passion (Genesis 19. 31, 35), lays open the heart, produces insensibility to the greatest dangers, and debars from reformation, under the severest sufferings. 35, awake i. e., from drunkenness (Genesis 9. 24). This is the language rather of acts than of the tongue.
14-. The mouth—or flattering speeches (ch. 5.3; 7.5) ensnare man, as pits, beasts. God makes their own sin their punishment. 15. Is bound—or firmly fixed. Chastisement deters from crime, and so leads to reformation of principle. 16. These two vices pertain to the same
selfish feeling, and are both deservedly odious to God, and incur punishment. 17. Here begins another division of the book, marked by those encouragements to tlie pursuit of wisdom, which are found in the earlier chapters.
CHAPTER XXIV. Ver 1-34. 1, 3. (Cf. ch. 23. 3, 17 ; Psalm 37. 1.) studleth— meditateth. talk . . . mischief—their expressed purposes are to do evil. 3, 4. (Cf.-ch. 14. 1; Isaiah 51. 14.) house—including the family, by knowledge . . . rlchea —(Ch. 8. 18; 21. 20.) 5, 6. The general statement (Ecclesiastes 9. 16, 18) is specially illustrated (cf. ch. 21. 22; Psalm
It will be observed that from v. 22 to ch. 24. 12, the proverbs are gcnerally'expressed in two verses instead of one
(cf. Introduction). 18. These lessons must be laid up in the mind, and fitted, or better, fixed in the lips so as to be ever ready. 19. That . . . Lord—This is the design of the instruction. 30. excellent .things—or probably of former tim3s. counsels and knowledge—both advice and instruction. 31. Specially he desires to secure accuracy, so that his pupil may teach others. 33, 33. Here follow ten precepts of two verses each. Though men fail to defend the poor, God will (ch. 17.5; Psalm 12.5). In the gate—place of public gathering (Job 5.4; Psalm G9.
144. 1). 7. (Cf. ch. 14. 16.) in the gate—(Cf. ch. 22. 22.) 8, So called even if he fails to do evil. 9. Same thought varied. 10. Lit., "If thou fail in the day of straits (ad-
versity), strait (or small) Is thy strength," which is then truly tested. 11, 13. Neglect of known duty is sin (James
12). 3*, 2.J. (Cf. ch. 2. 12-15; 4. 14.) a snare . . . soul—the unsuspecting are often misled by bad company. 36, 37.
4. 17). ready [lit., bowing down] to be slain i. e., unjustly. God's retributive justice cannot be avoided by professed ignorance. 13, 14. As delicious food whtts the appetite, so should the rewards of wisdom excite us to seek it. reward—ZiZ., after part, the proper result (cf. ch. 23. 18 ; Psalm
(Cf. ch. 6.1; 17.18.) should he take, &c.—i.e., the creditor. 28. (Cf. ch. 23. 10.) Do not entrench on others (Deuteronomy 19.14; 27.17). 39. Success rewards <iillgence (ch. 10.4; 21.5.) CHAPTER XXIII.
37. 37, 38). 15, 16. The plots of the wicked against the good, though partially, shall not be fully successful (Psalm
37. 24); while the wicked, falling under penal evil, find no help, seven times—often, or many (ch. 6. 16, 31 ; 9. 1). 17, 18. Yet let none rejoice over the fate of evil-doers, lest God punish tlielr wrong spirit by relieving the sufferer (cf. ch.
Ver. 1-35. 1-3. Avoid the dangers of gluttony, put a knife— an Eastern figure for putting restraint on the appetite, are deceitful meat—though well tasted, injurious 4,5. (Cf. 1 Tinjothy 6.9, 10.) thine own wisdom—which regards riches intrinsically a blessing. Wilt
17. 5 ; Job 31. 29). 19, 30. (Psalm 37. 1, 38 ; 18. 28.) candle—'
or, prosperity, it shall come to an end (ch. 13. 9; 20. 20). 31, 33. A warning against Impiety and resistance to lawful rule(Romans 13. 1-7; lPeter2. 17). meddle . , . change —(Cf. Margin), lit., mingle yourself, avoid the society of 399
. . . eyes—As tlie eyes fly after or seek riches, they are not, i e.. either become transitory or unsatisfying; fully expressed bv their flying away. <>-8. Beware of deceitful
Maxims and Observations PROVERBS XXV—XXVII. of Solomon.
restless persons, their calamity, <Src.—either what God and the king inflict, or wha.1 changers and their company BUtl'er; better tlie first. 33. These . . . wise—fit., are of the wise, as authors (cf. " Psalms of David," Hebrew). These are the verses following, to ch. 25. to have respect—
posed to the Incursions of evil thoughts and successftil temptations.
CHAPTER XXVI. Ver. 1-28. 1. The incongruities of nature illustrate also those of the moral world. The fool's unworthiness is also Implied (ch. 17. 7; 19.10). 3. Though not obvious to us, the bird— spai-row—und swallow—have an object in their motions, so penal evil falls on none without a reason. 3. The rod is as much needed by fools and as well suited to them, as whips and bridles are for beasts. 4, 5. Answer not—i. e., approvingly by like folly. Answerby reproof. 6. A fool fails by folly as surely as if he were maimed. drinUeth damage—^. e., gets it abundantly (Job 15. 16 ; 34. 7). 7. leg, . . . equal—or, " take away the legs," or the legs ... are weak. In any case the idea is that they are the occasion of an awkwardness, such as the fool shows in using a parable or proverb (cf. Introduction; ch. 17. 7). 8. A stone, bound in a sling, is useless, so honour, conferred on a fool, is thrown away. 9. As vexatious and unmanageble as a thorn in a drunkard's hand is a parable to a fool. He will be as apt to misuse it as to use it rightly. 10. Various versions of this are proposed (cf. Margin). Better perhaps—" Much He injures (or lit., wounds) all who reward," &c., t. e., society Is injured by encouraging evil men. transgressors—may be rendered vagrants. The word God is improperly supplied. 11. retumeth . . . folly—Though disgusting to others, the fool delights in his folly. 13. The self-conceited are taught with more difHculty than the stupid. 13. (Cf. ch. 22. 13.) 14. (Cf. ch.
to discern faces, show partiality, 24, 35, of which an example is justifying the wicked, to which is opposed, rebuking him, wliich has a blessing. 36. kiss his lips—love and ol)ey, do homage (Psalm 2. 12 ; Song of Solomon 8. 1). right answer— plain (eh. 8. 9) words, opposed to decep-
tive, or obscure. 37. Prepare In the fleltl i. e.. Secure, by diligence, a proper support, and then build; provide necessaries, tlien comforts, to which a house rather pertained, in a n^ild climate, permitting the use of tents. 38. Do not speak even trutli needlessly against any, and never lalseliood. 39. Especially avoid retaliation (Matthew 5. -IS—15; Romans 12. 17). 30,31. A striking picture
r.f the effects of sloth. 33-34. From the folly of the sluggard learn wisdom (ch. 6. 10, 11).