XVII. (1) A HOUSE FULL OF SACRIFICES. — Possibly the same as the “peace offerings” of Proverbs 7:14 (where see note). The consumption of these may have at times degenerated into licence (comp. 1 Samuel 1:13), and quarrelling have ensued.... [ Continue Reading ]
A WISE SERVANT SHALL HAVE RULE OVER A SON THAT CAUSETH SHAME.... — This was strikingly exhibited in the case of Ziba, who by his timely succour to David (2 Samuel 16), first gained all the property of his master, Mephibosheth (_i.e.,_ the “man of shame”), and was later confirmed in the possession of... [ Continue Reading ]
THE FINING POT IS FOR SILVER. — See above on Proverbs 2:4. THE LORD TRIETH THE HEARTS. — By allowing sorrows and temptations to assail them, in order that they may come out of the trial as pure gold (Revelation 3:18; 1 Peter 1:7; 1 Corinthians 3:13; Malachi 3:3), purged of earthly infirmities.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHOSO MOCKETH THE POOR REPROACHETH HIS MAKER. — See above on Proverbs 14:31. HE THAT IS GLAD AT CALAMITIES. — Of enemies. (Comp. Proverbs 24:18; Job 31:29.)... [ Continue Reading ]
CHILDREN’S CHILDREN ARE THE CROWN OF OLD MEN. — Comp. Psalms 127, 128. THE GLORY OF CHILDREN ARE THEIR FATHERS. — And, as such, to be honoured by them. For the blessing which parents bring to children, comp. 1 Kings 11:13; 1 Kings 15:4; Jeremiah 33:21.... [ Continue Reading ]
EXCELLENT SPEECH BECOMETH NOT A FOOL. — Rather, perhaps, _Superfluous or pretentious words become not a vile person_ (_nâbhâl_)_,_ such as is described in Isaiah 32:6. (Comp. 1 Samuel 25:25.) MUCH LESS DO LYING LIPS A PRINCE. — Or, _liberal person_ (Isaiah 32:8): _noblesse oblige. _... [ Continue Reading ]
A GIFT IS AS A PRECIOUS STONE... — A description of the influence of bribery: — _A bribe is as a jewel in the eyes of him that receives it; whithersoever he turns he prospers_: all his energies are called out by the prospect of gain, so that he carries out successfully all that he sets his hand to.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THAT COVERETH A TRANSGRESSION SEEKETH LOVE — _i.e.,_ one who does not notice, but rather conceals and excuses, anything done against him; that man “follows after charity” (1 Corinthians 14:1). (Comp. Proverbs 10:12.) HE THAT REPEATETH A MATTER, who is always returning to old grievances, “alienat... [ Continue Reading ]
AN EVIL MAN SEEKETH ONLY REBELLION. — Or. _A rebellious man_ (literally, _rebellion;_ comp. Ezekiel 2:7) _seeketh only evil._ A CRUEL MESSENGER. — Such as the “chief of the executioners” (margin of Genesis 37:36), who was always ready to carry out the bidding of an Oriental king. (Comp. 1 Kings 2:34... [ Continue Reading ]
A BEAR ROBBED OF HER WHELPS. — Proverbially dangerous then (2 Samuel 17:8; Hosea 13:8). (See also 1 Kings 2:24.) A FOOL (_khesîl_). — Comp. Proverbs 1:32.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE BEGINNING OF STRIFE IS AS WHEN ONE LETTETH OUT WATER. — The drops which ooze through a tiny hole in the bank of a reservoir soon swell into an unmanageable torrent; so from insignificant beginnings arise feuds which cannot be appeased. Solomon constructed large pools (Ecclesiastes 2:6) beyond Be... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THAT JUSTIFIETH THE WICKED — _i.e.,_ acquits. The perversion of justice was a fruitful source of evil in Israel, and a constant topic of reproach in the mouth of the prophets (1 Samuel 8:3; Psalms 82:2; Isaiah 5:7).... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEREFORE IS THERE A PRICE... — He will still remain a fool, though he has paid high for instruction, if he has no capacity for taking it in.... [ Continue Reading ]
A FRIEND LOVETH AT ALL TIMES... — Rather, _The_ (_true_)_ friend loveth at all times, and_ (_as_)_ a brother is born for adversity. _... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THE PRESENCE OF HIS FRIEND. — Or, _With his neighbour._ (For the same warning, comp. Proverbs 6:1, _sqq._)... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THAT EXALTETH HIS GATE. — Builds himself a sumptuous house.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THAT HATH A FROWARD HEART, FINDETH NO GOOD. — For he is an abomination to God (Proverbs 11:20), and so gains no blessing from Him.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THAT BEGETTETH A FOOL (_khesîl_)_. — _See above, on Proverbs 1:32. THE FATHER OF A FOOL (_nâbhâl_)_. — _See above, on Proverbs 17:7.... [ Continue Reading ]
A MERRY HEART DOETH GOOD LIKE A MEDICINE. — Or rather, _Makes good a recovery.,_ (For the duty of religious gladness, in gratitude for the love of God towards us, comp. Philippians 3:1; Philippians 4:4.)... [ Continue Reading ]
A WICKED MAN TAKETH A GIFT OUT OF THE BOSOM. — Or rather, _receives it._ “From the bosom” signifies the folds of the dress in which the bribe was concealed, ready to be slipped into the judge’s hand whose favour was to be bought.... [ Continue Reading ]
WISDOM IS BEFORE HIM THAT HATH UNDERSTANDING — _i.e.,_ he can easily find her. BUT THE EYES OF A FOOL ARE IN THE ENDS OF THE EARTH. — He is looking for her everywhere, while all the time she lies straight before him. (For the thought, comp. Deuteronomy 30:11.)... [ Continue Reading ]
ALSO. — Among other evil things. The subject of perversion of justice is again taken up. TO PUNISH. — Especially by fining. TO STRIKE — _i.e.,_ scourge. (Comp. Deuteronomy 25:1.) FOR EQUITY — _i.e._, when they have acted uprightly.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THAT HATH KNOWLEDGE... — This verse will better be rendered, _He that restrains his words hath knowledge, and one who is cool of temper is a man of understanding._ The avoidance of rash speech and hasty temper is here advised.... [ Continue Reading ]