Proverbs 18 - Introduction
_A.M. 3004. B.C. 1000._... [ Continue Reading ]
_A.M. 3004. B.C. 1000._... [ Continue Reading ]
_Through desire, a man having separated himself_, &c. According to this translation, the sense of this controverted proverb is, _Through desire_ of wisdom, _a man, having separated himself_ from the company, and noise, and business of the world, _seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom_ Uses all d... [ Continue Reading ]
_When the wicked cometh_ Into any place or company; _then cometh also contempt_ Either, 1st, He is justly contemned by those who converse with him: or rather, 2d, He despiseth and scorneth all instruction and reproof, neither fearing God nor reverencing man; _and with ignominy reproach_ And he not o... [ Continue Reading ]
_The words of a man's mouth_ Of a wise man's; _are as deep waters_ Full of deep wisdom; _and the well-spring of wisdom as a flowing brook_ That wisdom which is in his heart is continually pouring forth wise and good counsels.... [ Continue Reading ]
_The words of a tale-bearer_ Who privily slanders his neighbour; _are as wounds_ Deeply wound the reputation, and afterward the heart, of the slandered person. _They go down_, &c. They wound mortally, piercing to the heart, which is often meant by _the belly. He also that is slothful is brother_, &c... [ Continue Reading ]
_The name of the Lord_ That is, the Lord, as he hath revealed himself in his works, and especially in his word, by his promises, and the declarations of his infinite perfections, and of his good-will to his people; _is a strong tower_ Is sufficient for our protection in the greatest dangers. _The ri... [ Continue Reading ]
_He that answereth a matter before he beareth it_ Before he hath fully heard and considered what another is speaking about it; _it is folly and shame unto him_ It is a shameful folly, though he seek the reputation of a wise man by it; as if he could readily and thoroughly understand all that another... [ Continue Reading ]
_The spirit of a man_ That is, his soul, namely, not wounded, as appears by the opposite branch of the verse, and which is vigorous and cheerful, supported by a sense of God's love, the consciousness of its own integrity, and of its present peace with him, and by a bright prospect of future happines... [ Continue Reading ]
_A man's gift maketh room for him_ Procures him free access to great men. Hebrew, ירחיב לו, _enlargeth him_, as this very phrase is rendered Psalms 4:1, and elsewhere; freeth him from straits and oppressions; _and bringeth him before great men_ Procures him favour and free conversation with them.... [ Continue Reading ]
_He that is first in his own cause_ He that first pleadeth his cause; _seemeth just_ Both to himself, and to the judge, or court, by his fair pretences; _but his neighbour cometh_ To contend with him in judgment, and to plead _his_ cause; _and searcheth him_ Examineth the truth and weight of his all... [ Continue Reading ]
_The lot causeth contentions to cease_ By determining the matters in difference; _and parteth between the mighty_ Maketh a partition, and giveth to each of the contending parties what is right or meet, by the order and disposition of divine providence. It parteth also between mean persons, but he me... [ Continue Reading ]
_A brother offended_ Namely, by his brother's unkindness or injury; _is harder to be won_ Or, is stronger and more impregnable; _than a strong city_ Which is hardly to be conquered. _And their contentions are like the bars of a castle_ Which are very strong, and not to be broken, as being made of ir... [ Continue Reading ]
_A man's belly shall be satisfied_, &c. Wise and edifying discourses tend to the comfort and satisfaction of the speaker, as well as to the good of the hearers.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Life and death are in the power of the tongue_ Are brought upon men by the good or bad use of their tongues; _and they that love it_ Namely, the tongue; that love much talking; _shall eat the fruit thereof_ Shall receive either good or evil according to the quality of their speeches.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Whoso findeth a wife A good wife;_ one that deserves the name, and performs the duty of that relation. Thus Houbigant interprets it after many of the versions: see Proverbs 19:14. _Findeth a good thing _ A singular blessing; _and obtaineth favour of the Lord_ Obtaineth her, not by his own wisdom, o... [ Continue Reading ]
_The poor useth entreaties_ Humbly begs the favour of rich and powerful men, as his necessities and occasions require; _but the rich answereth roughly_ Speaks proudly and scornfully, either to the poor, or to others that converse with him, being puffed up with a conceit of his riches and self-suffic... [ Continue Reading ]
_A man that hath friends_ Hebrew, _a man of friends;_ either, 1st, Who desires the friendship of others; or, 2d, Who professes friendship to others; _must show himself friendly_ Must perform all kind offices to his friend, which is the very end of friendship, and the way to preserve it; _and there i... [ Continue Reading ]