Chapter XXX
idle, useless drones, implying that they are also wicked (ch. 12. 11 ; Psalm 20. 14). 30. maketh haste . . . richimplying deceit or fraud (ch. 20. 21), and so opposed to faiihful or reliable. 31. respect of persons—(ch. 24. 23.) Su'jh are led to evil by the slightest motive. 33. (Cf. v. 20.) evil eye—in the general sense of ch. 23. 6, here more spfcific for covetousness (cf. ch. 22. 9; Matthew 20. 15). pofei-ty . . . him-by God's providence. 33. (Cf. ch. 9.
Ver. 1-33. 1. This Is the title of this chapter (cf. J^^rodmdon). the prophecy—iii., the burden (cf. Isaiah. 13. 1;. Zecharlah 9. 1), used for any Divine instruction; not necessarily a prediction, which was only a kind of prophecy.
(1 Chronicles 15. 27, a song). Prophets were inspired men» . who spoke for God to man, or man to God (Genesis 20. 7; , Exodus 7. 14, 15, 16). Such, also, were the New Tjestamonfe, prophets. In a general sense. Gad, Nathan and others, were such, who were Divine teachers, though we do not learn they ever predicted, the man apalaer-lit., the saying
R, 9; 27. .5.) Those benefited by reproof will love their monitors. 34. (Cf. Matthew 15. 4-6.) Such, though heirs, are virtually thieves, to be ranked with highwaymen. 25. of a proud heart— or puffed up of soul—i. e., selfecnfident, and hence overbearing and litigious, made fat —or, prosperous (ch. 11. 25; 16. 20). 36. (Cf. eh. 3. 6-8.) walketh wisely—i. e., trusting in God (ch. 22. 17-19). 37. 26
of the man; an expression used to denote-«uy solemn and Important announcement (cf. 2 Samuel 23. 1 ; Psalm 36. 1 ;i
110. 1 ; Isaiah 1. 24, &c.). Ithiel and Ueai were perhaps pupils. 2-4. brutish—stupid, a strong, term to denote hialowly self-estimation; or he may speaks of • (sueh as hl»
401>
TJie SayiiKji of Agur. PROVERBS XXXI. The Words of King Lemuel.
term of special affection, son . . . vows—as one de^lic.ated to God ; so the word Lemuel may mean. 3-i). Succinct but solemn warnings against vices to which kings are peculiarly tempted, as carnal pleasures and oppressivre and unrighteous government are used to sustain sensual indulgence. 3. strength—mental and bodily resources for health and comfoft. thy ways—or course of life, to that
natural cnnrliiion, ns oontrasted with God's all-seeing
c<>ni)i!<'lieiisive knowledge and almislity power. The questions of Iliu last clause emphatically deny the attrihutes mentioned to be those of any creature, thus impressively strengfheninK the implied reference of the former to God (cf. Peuteronomy 30. 12-14; Isaiah 40. 12; Epiiesians 1. S.. 5. (Cf. Psalm 12. 0; 119. 140.) 6. Add . . . words—Implying that his sole reliance was on God's allsnfReient teacliinfi. reprove [convict] tliee—and so the lalsehood will appear. 7-9. A prayer for exemption from wickedness, and the extremes of povertj' and riches, the
. . . kings—^(7., to the destro>/lng of kings, avoid destructive pleasures (cf. ch. 5. 9; 7. 22, 27; Hosea 4. li). 4, 5. Stimulants enfeeble reason, and pervert the heart, and do not suit rulers, who need clear and steady minds, and wellgoverned atlections (cf. ch. 20. 1 ; 22. 29). pervert . . . affiltted— they give unrighteous decisions against the poor.
/ICO t/iinfjs mentioned. Contentment is implied as desired,
vanity—all .^torts of sinful acts (Job 11. 11; Isaiah 5. 18).
6, 7. The proper use of such drinks is to restore tone to feeble bodies and depressed minds (cf. Psalm 104. 15). 8, 9. Open . . . cause—Plead for those who cannot plead for themselves, as the orphan, stranger, &c. (cf. Psalm 72. 12; Isaiah 1. 17). appointed to destruction—who are otherwise ruined by their oppressors (cf. ch. 29. 14, IC). 10-31. This exquisite picture of a truly lovely wife is conceived and drawn in accordance with thefcustoms of Eastern nations, but its moral teachings suit all climes. In Uebrew the verses begin with the letters of Hcbrem alphabet in order (ct. Introduction to Poetical Books). 10. Who
lie fitll . . . deny-/, c, pufled up by the pride of prosperity, take tlie uume . . . vain—this is not (Hebreiv) the form (cf. Exodus 20. 7), but take rather denotes laying
^ iolent hold on any tiling^', e., lest I assail God's name or attributes, as justice, mercy, Ac, which the poor are tempted to dn. 10. Accuse not—Slander not (Psalm 10. 7). cnrse . . . guiKy—lest, however lowly, he be exasperated
to turn on thee, and your guilt be made to appear. 11-14. Four kinds of hateful persons—(1) graceless children, (2) hypocrites, (3) tlie proud, (4) cruel oppressors (cf. on v. 14, Psalm 14. 4; 52. 2)—are now illustrated, (1) v. 15, 16, the in-
. . . woman!—The question implies that such are rare, though not entirely wanting (cf. ch. 18.22; 19.14). virl»ious— of strenf/th, i.e., moral courage (cf. ch. 12.4; Ruth 3. 11). her price, Ac—(cf. ch. 3. 15.) 11. heart . . . tntst in her—he relies on her prudence and skill, no need of spoil—does not lack profit or gain, especially, that obtained by the risk of war. 13. do . . . good—contribute good to hifn. 13, 14. Ancient women of rank thus wrought with their hands, and such, indeed, were the customs of Western women a few centuries since. In the East also, the fabrics were articles of merchandise. IJ. She diligently attends to expending as well as gathering %vealth; 16., and hence has means to purchase property.
satiabilitj' of prodigal children and their fate; v. 17, (2) hypocrisy, or tlie concealment of real character; v. 18-20,
(3 and 4} various examples of pride and oppression. 15, 16. Iiorse-leecU—supposed by some to be the vampire (a fabulous creatine), as being literally insatiable; but the other subjects mentioned must be taken as this, comparatively insatiable. The use of a fabulous creature agreeably to popular notions is not inconsistent with inspiration (cf. Isaiah 14., SI). Ttiere are tliree . . . yea, four
(Cf. cli. r>. IB.) 17. Tlie eye—For the penson, with reference to the use of tlie organ to express mockery and contempt, and also as that by which punishment is received, tlie ravens . . . eagles . . . eat—either as dying unnaturally, or being left unburied, or both. 18-30. Hj-pocrisy is illustrated by four examplesof the concealment of all methods or traces of action, and a pertinent example of double dealing in actual vice is added, i. e., the adulterous ivoman.
17, 18. To energy she adds .a watchfulness in bargains, and a protracted and painful indnstr.v. The last clause may figuratively denote that her prosperity (cf. ch. 24. 20)
is not short-lived". 19. No work, however mean, if honest,
is disdained. 30. Industry enables her to be charitable. 31. scarlet—or, prirple, by reason of the dyes used, tlifl best fabrics, as a matter of taste also, the colour suits cold, 33. coverings of tapestry—or, coverlelx, i. e., for beds, sllh [or, linen (cf. Exodus 26. 1 ; 27. 9)] and purple— /. e., the most costly goods. 33. In the gates—(cf. ch. 22. 22). His domestic comfort promotes his advancement in pub-
slie en<et!i . . . montli^'. e., she hides the evidences of her shame, and professes innocence. 21-23. Pride and cruelty, the undue exaltation of those unfit to hold power produce those vices which disquiet society (cf. ch. 19.10;
US. 3). iielr . . . mistress i. e., takes her place as a wife 'Genesis Ifi. 4). 34-31. These verses provide two classes of
itpt illustrations of various aspects of the moral world, which the reader is left to apply. By the first, diligence and pVovidence are commended ; tlie success of these Insignificant animals being due to their instinctive sagacity and activity, rather than strength, conies—mountain mice, or rabbits, spider—tolerated, even in palaces, to destro.v flies. taltetU . . . hands—or, uses with activity the limbs provided for taking prey. The other class provides similes for whatever is majestic or comely, uniting eflicieiuy with gracefulness. 33. As none can hope, successfully, to resist such a king, suppress even the thought of an attempt, lay . . . hand upon thy mouth lay is well supplied (Judges 18. 19; Job 29. 9; 40. 4). 33. ?. e., strife —or other ills, as surely arise from devising evil as natural etTects from natural causes.
lic dignity. 34. fiite linen—or, linen sliirts, or the material for them. glwUes—were often costly and highly valued (2 Samuel 18. II). dellvercth—or, giveth as a present or to sell. 35. Strength and honour—or, Strong and
beautiful, is her clothing; or, figuratively, for moral character, vigorous and honourable, shall rjjolce . . . coni« in confidence of certain maintenance. 36. Her conversation is wise and gentle. 37. (Cf. 1 Timothy 5. 14; Titus 2.
5.) She adds to her example a wise management of those under her control. 38. She is honoured by those who best know her. 39. The words are those of her husband, praising her. virtuously—(Cf. v. 10.) 30. Favour—or, Grace of personal manner, beauty—of face, or form (cf. ch. 11.
22). True piety alone commands permanent respect and affection (1 Peter 3. 3). 31. The result of her labours ia her best eulogy.