a friend This narrative is a strong warning against the danger of evil companions. The clever but unprincipled friend is more likely to provide means for gratifying evil passions than help in resisting them.

Jonadab, the son of Shimeah Shimeahis called Shammahin 1 Samuel 16:9. He had another son Jonathan(ch. 2 Samuel 21:21).

subtil The word means simply wise, and pronounces no judgment on the way in which Jonadab misused his sagacity. Cp. Job 5:13; Jeremiah 4:22.

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