The text and the marginal readings indicate the two chief constructions of this somewhat difficult verse. Other renderings are (1) He who separateth himself from others seeks his own desire, and rushes forward against all wise counsel: a warning against self-will and the self-assertion which exults... [ Continue Reading ]
Another form of egotism. In “understanding,” i. e., self-knowledge, the “fool” finds no pleasure; but self-assertion, talking about himself and his own opinions, is his highest joy.... [ Continue Reading ]
WITH IGNOMINY - Better, “together with baseness comes reproach.” The outer shame follows close upon the inner.... [ Continue Reading ]
The parallelism of the two clauses is probably one of contrast. If so, the proverb is a comparison between all teaching from without and that of the light within. “The words of a man’s mouth” are dark as the “deep waters” of a pool, or tank (“deep waters” being associated in the Old Testament with t... [ Continue Reading ]
The first verse speaks of the immediate, the others of the remote, results of the “fool’s” temper. First, “contention,” then “strokes” or blows, then “destruction,” and last, “wounds.” Proverbs 18:8 WOUNDS - The word so rendered occurs here and in Proverbs 26:22 only. Others render it “dainties,”... [ Continue Reading ]
SAFE - literally, as in the margin i. e., is exalted. Compare Psalms 18:2, Psalms 18:33.... [ Continue Reading ]
What the name of the Lord is to the righteous Proverbs 18:10, that wealth is to the rich. He flees to it for refuge as to a strong city; but it is so only “in his own conceit” or imagination. HIGH - In the Hebrew the same word as “safe” Proverbs 18:10, and manifestly used in reference to it.... [ Continue Reading ]
BEFORE - In the sense of priority of time.... [ Continue Reading ]
INFIRMITY - Bodily pain or trouble. “Spirit” in the Hebrew text is masculine in the first clause, feminine in the second, as though used in the latter as having lost its strength.... [ Continue Reading ]
With the wise and prudent there is no loss of time. “Heart” and “ear” - the mind working within, or gathering from without materials for its thought - are, through this channel or that, ever gaining knowledge.... [ Continue Reading ]
The “gift” (or, bribe), by a bold personification, appears as the powerful “friend at court,” who introduces another, and makes him welcome in high places.... [ Continue Reading ]
A protest against another fault in judging. Haste is hardly less evil than corruption. “Audi alteram partern “should be the rule of every judge. HIS NEIGHBOR - The other party to the suit “searcheth,” i. e., scrutinizes and detects him.... [ Continue Reading ]
Compare Proverbs 16:33 note. A tacit appeal to the Divine Judge gave a fairer prospect of a just decision than corruption Proverbs 18:16 or hasty onesidedness Proverbs 18:17.... [ Continue Reading ]
The meaning of the first clause is obtained in the King James Version by the insertion of the words in italics, and it seems on the whole to be the best. The Septuagint and Vulgate give an entirely different rendering, based, apparently, upon a different text.... [ Continue Reading ]
The general sense is plain. A man must for good or evil take the consequence of his words, as well as his deeds. Compare the marginal reference.... [ Continue Reading ]
The sense seems to require, “Whoso findeth a good wife,” as in some Chaldee manuscripts; but the proverb writer may be looking at marriage in its ideal aspect, and sees in every such union the hands of God joining together man and woman for their mutual good. The Septuagint adds “He who casts out a... [ Continue Reading ]
Note the paradox. The poor man, of whom one might expect roughness, supplicates; the rich, well nurtured, from whom one might look for courtesy, answers harshly and brusquely.... [ Continue Reading ]
Better, “A man of many companions is so to his own destruction, but there is a friend (the true, loving friend) etc.” It is not the multitude of so called friends that helps us. They may only embarrass and perplex. What we prize is the one whose love is stronger and purer even than all ties of kindr... [ Continue Reading ]