Chapter XXV
Ver. 1-2S. 1. Tlie character of these proverbs sustains the Wtlc {cf. Introduclimi). also—refers to the former part of the hook, copied put lit., transferred, i. e., from some other booh to this; not given from memory. 3. God's unsearcliableness impresses us with awe (cf. Isaiah 45.15; Romiuis 11. 31). But kings, Ijeing finite, should confer with wise counsellors; 3. Ye wisely keeping state secrets, whicli to cotninon men are as inaccessible heights and depths. 4, 5. As separating impurities from ore leaves pure silver, so taking from a king wicked counsellors leaves a wise and beneficent government, before—or, In presence of, as courtiers stood* about a king. 6,7. Do not intrude into the presence of the king, for the elevation of the luiuilile is honourable, but the humbling of ihe prtiud di sgraceful (Luke 14. 8-10). 8. (Cf. ch. 3. 30.) lest
6. 10; 24. 33). He moves but does not leave his place. 15.
(Cf. ch. 19. 24.) 16. The thoughtless being Ignorant of their ignorance are conceited. 17. meddleth—as ch. 20. 19; 24. 21; as either holding a dog by the ears or letting him go Involves danger, so success in another man's strife or failure involves a useless risk of reputation, does no good, and may do us harm. 18, 19. Such are reckless of results. 30, SI. The tale-bearers foster (ch. 16. 28), and the contentious excite strife. 33. (Cf. ch. 18. 8.) 33. Warm professions can no more give value to insincerity than silver
. . . shame—lest you do what you ought not, when shamed by defeat, or " lest thou art shut out from doing any thing." 9, 10. (Cf. Matthew 5. 25; Margin.) secret—t. e., of your opponent, for his disadvantage, and so you be disgraced, not liiiving discussed your difRculties with him. 11. a word ia.t\y—lit., quickly, as wheels roll, just in time. The comparison "a* apples . , . sifoer" gives a like sense, apples, &c.—eitliei real apples of golden colour, in a silver network basket, or imitations on silver embroidery. 13. Those who desire to know, and do rightly, most highly esteem good counsel (cli. 9. 9; 15. 31). Tlie listening ear is better tlian one hung with gold. 13. Snow from mountains was used to oool drinks; so refreshing Is a faithful messenger (ch. 13. 17). 14. clouds lit., vapours (Jeremiah 10. 13), clouds only in appearance, a false gift—promised, but not given. 15. Gentleness and kindness overcome the most powerful and obstinate. long forbearing—or, slowness to anger (ch. 11. 2f); 15.18). 16, 17. A comparison, as a surfeit of honey produces physical disgust, so your company, however agreeable in moderation, may, if excessive,
coating to rude earthen ware. 34. dissembleth—though an unusual sense of the word (cf. Margin), is allowable, and better suits the context, which sets forth hypocrisy. 35. Sentiment of v. 24 carried out. seven . . . heart—t".
e., very many (cf. ch. 24. 16). 36, 37. Deceit will at last be exposed, and the wicked by their own arts often bring on retribution (cf. ch. 12. 13; Psalm 17. 16 ; 9. 17, Ac). 38. Men hate those they injure, lying tongue lips for the persons (cf. ch. 4. 24 ; Psalm 12. 3).