The proverbs in Proverbs 16:1 have, more than any other group, an especially religious character impressed upon them. The name of Yahweh as Giver, Guide, Ruler, or Judge, meets us in each of them. Proverbs 16:1 Better, The plans of the heart belong to man, but the utterance of the tongue is from Y... [ Continue Reading ]
We are blind to our own faults, do not see ourselves as others see us. There is One who tries not the “ways” only, but the “spirits” Hebrews 4:12 : this is the true remedy against self-deceit.... [ Continue Reading ]
COMMIT - literally, as in the margin, as a man transfers a burden from his own back to one stronger and better able to bear it. Compare the margin reference. THY THOUGHTS - i. e., The plans or counsels out of which the works spring.... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR HIMSELF - Better, The Lord has done everything for its own end; and this includes the appointment of an “evil day” for “the wicked” who deserve it.... [ Continue Reading ]
See the marginal reference note.... [ Continue Reading ]
Compare Proverbs 15:8. “By mercy and truth,” not by sacrifices and burnt-offerings, “iniquity is purged, atoned for, expiated.” The teaching is the same as that of the prophets.... [ Continue Reading ]
Goodness has power to charm and win even enemies to itself.... [ Continue Reading ]
DEVISETH HIS WAY - i. e., Thinks it out with anxious care; yet it is the Lord and He only who directs the steps. Compare Proverbs 16:1.... [ Continue Reading ]
A DIVINE SENTENCE - See the margin, i. e., “soothsaying” in its darker aspect as contrasted with prophecy. The true oracle is to be sought, not from soothsayers and diviners, but “at the lips of the king,” who is ideally the representative, the προφήτης _prophētēs_ of Yahweh, in His government of... [ Continue Reading ]
See Proverbs 11:1 note. People are not to think that trade lies outside the divine law. God has commanded there also all that belongs to truth and right.... [ Continue Reading ]
While Proverbs 16:13 depicts the king as he ought to be, this verse reminds us of the terrible rapidity with which, in the despotic monarchies of the East, punishment, even death, follows royal displeasure.... [ Continue Reading ]
The “latter rain” is that which falls in March or April just before the harvest. The “cloud” which brings it, immediately screening people from the scorching sun, and bringing plenty and blessing, is a fit type of the highest favor.... [ Continue Reading ]
Good as it is to “handle a matter wisely,” it is far better to “trust in the Lord.” The former is really impossible except through the latter.... [ Continue Reading ]
The words point to the conditions of all true growth in wisdom; and he who has the gift of uttering it in winning speech increases it in himself and others.... [ Continue Reading ]
WELLSPRING OF LIFE - Compare Proverbs 10:11 note. “the instruction of fools” Not that which they give, but that which they receive. Compare Proverbs 14:24. “Folly” is its own all-sufficient punishment.... [ Continue Reading ]
Honey took its place not only among the luxuries, but among the medicines of the Israelites. This two-fold use made it all the more suitable to be an emblem both of the true Wisdom which is also true obedience, and of the “pleasant words” in which that Wisdom speaks.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THAT LABORETH - literally, as in the margin, i. e., “The desire of the laborer labors for him” (or, helps him in his work), “for his mouth urges him on.” Hunger of some kind is the spring of all hearty labor. Without that the man would sit down and take his ease. So also, unless there is a hunger... [ Continue Reading ]
The four verses speak of the same thing, and the well-known opprobrious name, the “man of Belial,” stands at the head as stigmatizing the man who delights in causing the mischief of which they treat. DIGGETH UP EVIL - i. e., Digs an evil pit for others to fall into. Compare Psalms 7:15. Proverbs 1... [ Continue Reading ]
Omit “if.” Literally, “it (i. e., the hoary head) is found in the way of righteousness,” comes as the reward of righteousness.... [ Continue Reading ]
DISPOSING - Better, the judgment or sentence which depends upon the lot. The lots were thrown into the gathered folds of a robe, and then drawn out. Where everything seemed the merest chance, there the faithful Israelite teacher recognized the guidance of a higher will. Compare the case of Achan Jos... [ Continue Reading ]