Bible Commentary (1871–1879 Edition) (continued)
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. drin Ueth 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 dif Hculty 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 deceptive, 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 nild 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).
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 dif Rculties 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).
CHAPTER XXVII.
Ver. 1-27. 1. Do not confide Implicitly In your plans
(ch. 16. 9 ; 19. 21 ; James 4. 13-15). 3. Avoid self-praise. 3. The literal sense of heavy, applied to material subjects, illustrates its figurative, grievous, applied to moral, a fool's wrath—Is unreasonable and excessive. 4. envy— lead your friend to liate you. 18. A false witness Is as destructive to reputation, as such weapons to the body (ch.24. 28). beareth . . . witness lit., answereth questions, as before a judge, against his neighbour. 19. Treachery annoys as well as deceives. 30. Not only is the incongruity of songs [i. e., joyful) and sadness meant, but an accession of sadness, by want of sj'mpathy, Is implied. 21, 33. (Cf. Matthew 5. 44; Romans 12. 20.) As metals are melted by heaping coals upon them, so Is the heart softened by kindness. 33. Better, "As the north wind hrlngeth forth (Psalm 90. 2) or produces rain, so does a concealed or slandering tongue produce anger." 34. (Cf. ch. 21. 9, 19). 35. (Cf. t>. 13.) good news—j. e., of some loved interest or absent friend, the more grateful as coming from alar. 3C.. From troubled fountains and corrupt springs no healtliy water is to be had, so when the righteous are oppressed by the wicked, their power for good is lessened or destroyed. 37. Satiety surfeits (v. 16), so men who are self-glorious find shame. Is not gloryor, jealousy (cf. Margin; ch. 6. 34), is more unappeasable than the simpler bad passions. 5, 6. love—not manifested in acts Is useless; and even, if its exhibition by rebukes wounds ns, such love is preferable to the frequent (cf. Margin), and hence deceitful, kisses of an enemy. 7. The luxury of wealth confers less happiness than the healthy appetite of labour. 8. Such are not oniy out of place, but out of duty and In danger. 9. rejoice the heart—the organ of perceiving what pleases the senses, sweetness. . . counsel—or, wise counsel Is also pleasing. 10. Adhere to tried friends. The ties of blood may be less reliable than those of genuine friendship. 11. The wisdom of children both reflects credit on parents and contributes to their aid in dif Hcultles. 13, 13. (Cf. ch. 20. 16; 22. 3). 14. Excessive zeal in praising raises suspicions of selfishness.
15. (Cf. ch. 19. 13.) very . . . day—lit., a day of showers. 10. hideth or. restrains (i. e., tries to do It), is as fruitless an effort, as that of holding the -wind, tlie ointment . . . right liaml-the organ of power (Psalm 17. 7 ; 18. 85). His not is supplied from the first clause, or is grievous, In which sense a similar word Is csed (ch. 27. 2). 38. Suoli are ex400 right hand endeavours to repress perfume, but vainly. Some prefer: " His right hand comes on oil, ». e., cannot
E.ASTEltX LETTER-CARRIER.