Proverbs 17:1-28
1. Lit. 'the sacrifices of strife.' There would be no pleasure in the festal meal which followed a sacrifice (Proverbs 7:14) if it was accompanied with a quarrel. 'A little with quiet is the only diet.'... [ Continue Reading ]
1. Lit. 'the sacrifices of strife.' There would be no pleasure in the festal meal which followed a sacrifice (Proverbs 7:14) if it was accompanied with a quarrel. 'A little with quiet is the only diet.'... [ Continue Reading ]
The Israelite slave was a member of the family (Genesis 24:12; Deuteronomy 5:14, etc.), might become the heir (Genesis 15:2) or marry the daughter (1 Chronicles 2:34).... [ Continue Reading ]
NAUGHTY] injurious.... [ Continue Reading ]
The proverb writers show no hope of redeeming the lost. Their verdict is, 'He that is filthy let him be filthy still.'... [ Continue Reading ]
He who gives a bribe regards it as a precious stone, a stone which brings favour; whithersoever he turns he prospers. Philip of Macedon boasted that he had taken more towns with silver than with iron.... [ Continue Reading ]
A hundred strokes would be more than double the number allowed by the law (Deuteronomy 25:3).... [ Continue Reading ]
The meaning is doubtful. Either, 'An evil man seeketh only rebellion,' or, 'Rebellion seeketh only mischief.' The rebellion may be against God or the king; if the former, cp. Psalms 78:49 for the cruel messenger.... [ Continue Reading ]
BEFORE IT BE MEDDLED WITH] RV 'Before there be quarrelling.' The bursting of a dam begins with a small crack. 'Little strokes fell great oaks.'... [ Continue Reading ]
Money cannot buy it if the mind is indisposed to it.... [ Continue Reading ]
To 'exalt the gate' may mean to set oneself above the neighbours, and so become a target for their envy. But the original probably ran: 'He that speaketh proud words.'... [ Continue Reading ]
The fool lacks the power of concentration. 27, 28. 'I have found nought of better service than silence.' 'Silence is a fence to wisdom.'... [ Continue Reading ]