Proverbs 25-27

God needs not search into any thing; nothing can be hid from him. But it is the honour of rulers to search out matters, to bring to light hidden works of darkness.

For a prince to suppress vice, and reform his people, is the best way to support his government.

Religion teaches us humility and self-denial. He who has seen the glory of the Lord in Christ Jesus, will feel his own unworthiness.

To be hasty in beginning strife, will bring into difficulties. War must at length end, and might better be prevented. It is so in private quarrels; do all thou canst to settle the matter.

A word of counsel, or reproof, rightly spoken, is especially beautiful, as fine fruit becomes still more beautiful in silver baskets.

See what ought to be the aim of him that is trusted with any business; to be faithful. A faithful minister, Christ's messenger, should be thus acceptable to us.

He who pretends to have received or given that which he never had, is like the morning cloud, that disappoints those who look for rain.

Be patient to bear a present hurt. Be mild to speak without passion; for persuasive language is the most effectual to prevail over the hardened mind.

God has given us leave to use grateful things, but we are cautioned against excess.

We cannot be upon good terms with our neighbours, without discretion as well as sincerity. How much better a Friend is God than any other friend! The oftener we come to him, the more welcome.

A false testimony is dangerous in every thing.

Confidence in an unfaithful man is painful and vexatious; when we put any stress on him, he not only fails, but makes us feel for it.

We take a wrong course if we think to relieve those in sorrow by endeavouring to make them merry.

The precept to love even our enemies is an Old Testament commandment. Our Saviour has shown his own great example in loving us when we were enemies.

Slanders would not be so readily spoken, if they were not readily heard. Sin, if it receives any check, becomes cowardly.

It is better to be alone, than to be joined to one who is a hinderance to the comfort of life.

Heaven is a country afar off; how refreshing is good news from thence, in the everlasting gospel, which signifies glad tidings, and in the witness of the Spirit with our spirits that we are God's children!

When the righteous are led into sin, it is as hurtful as if the public fountains were poisoned.

We must be, through grace, dead to the pleasures of sense, and also to the praises of men.

The man who has no command over his anger, is easily robbed of peace. Let us give up ourselves to the Lord, and pray him to put his Spirit within us, and cause us to walk in his statutes.

Honour is out of season to those unworthy and unfit for it.

He that is cursed without cause, the curse shall do him no more harm than the bird that flies over his head.

Every creature must be dealt with according to its nature, but careless and profligate sinners never will be ruled by reason and persuasion. Man indeed is born like the wild ass's colt; but some, by the grace of God, are changed.

We are to fit our remarks to the man, and address them to his conscience, so as may best end the debate.

Fools are not fit to be trusted, nor to have any honour. Wise sayings, as a foolish man delivers and applies them, lose their usefulness.

This verse may either declare how the Lord, the Creator of all men, will deal with sinners according to their guilt, or, how the powerful among men should disgrace and punish the wicked.

The dog is a loathsome emblem of those sinners who return to their vices, 2Pe 2:22.

We see many a one who has some little sense, but is proud of it. This describes those who think their spiritual state to be good, when really it is very bad.

The slothful man hates every thing that requires care and labour. But it is foolish to frighten ourselves from real duties by fancied difficulties. This may be applied to a man slothful in the duties of religion.

Having seen the slothful man in fear of his work, here we find him in love with his ease. Bodily ease is the sad occasion of many spiritual diseases. He does not care to get forward with his business. Slothful professors turn thus. The world and the flesh are hinges on which they are hung; and though they move in a course of outward services, yet they are not the nearer to heaven.

The sluggard is now out of his bed, but he might have lain there, for any thing he is likely to bring to pass in his work. It is common for men who will not do their duty, to pretend they cannot. Those that are slothful in religion, will not be at the pains to feed their souls with the bread of life, nor to fetch in promised blessings by prayer.

He that takes pains in religion, knows he is working for a good Master, and that his labour shall not be in vain.

To make ourselves busy in other men's matters, is to thrust ourselves into temptation.

He that sins in jest, must repent in earnest, or his sin will be his ruin.

Contention heats the spirit, and puts families and societies into a flame. And that fire is commonly kindled and kept burning by whisperers and backbiters.

A wicked heart disguising itself, is like a potsherd covered with the dross of silver.

Always distrust when a man speaks fair unless you know him well. Satan, in his temptations, speaks fair, as he did to Eve; but it is madness to give credit to him.

What pains men take to do mischief to others! but it is digging a pit, it is rolling a stone, hard work; and they prepare mischief to themselves.

There are two sorts of lies equally detestable. A slandering lie, the mischief of this every body sees. A flattering lie, which secretly works ruin. A wise man will be more afraid of a flatterer than of a slanderer.

We know not what a day may bring forth. This does not forbid preparing for to-morrow, but presuming upon to-morrow. We must not put off the great work of conversion, that one thing needful.

There may be occasion for us to justify ourselves, but not to praise ourselves.

Those who have no command of their passions, sink under the load.

Plain and faithful rebukes are better, not only than secret hatred, but than love which compliments in sin, to the hurt of the soul.

The poor have a better relish of their enjoyments, and are often more thankful for them, than the rich. In like manner the proud and self-sufficient disdain the gospel; but those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, find comfort from the meanest book or sermon that testifies of Christ Jesus.

Every man has his proper place in society, where he may be safe and comfortable.

Depend not for relief upon a kinsman, merely for kindred's sake; apply to those who are at hand, and will help in need. But there is a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother, and let us place entire confidence in him.

An affectionate parent urges his son to prudent conduct that should gladden his heart. The good conduct of Christians is the best answer to all who find fault with the gospel.

Where there is temptation, if we thrust ourselves into it, there will be sin, and punishment will follow.

An honest man may be made a beggar, but he is not honest that makes himself one.

It is folly to be fond of being praised; it is a temptation to pride.

The contentions of a neighbour may be like a sharp shower, troublesome for a time; the contentions of a wife are like constant rain.

We are cautioned to take heed whom we converse with. And directed to have in view, in conversation, to make one another wiser and better.

Though a calling be laborious and despised, yet those who keep to it, will find there is something to be got by it. God is a Master who has engaged to honour those who serve him faithfully.

One corrupt heart is like another; so are sanctified hearts: the former bear the same image of the earthly, the latter the same image of the heavenly. Let us carefully watch our own hearts, comparing them with the word of God.

Two things are here said to be never satisfied, death and sin. The appetites of the carnal mind for profit or pleasure are always desiring more. Those whose eyes are ever toward the Lord, are satisfied in him, and shall for ever be so.

Silver and gold are tried by putting them into the furnace and fining-pot; so is a man tried by praising him.

Some are so bad, that even severe methods do not answer the end; what remains but that they should be rejected? The new-creating power of God's grace alone is able to make a change.

We ought to have some business to do in this world, and not to live in idleness, and not to meddle with what we do not understand. We must be diligent and take pains. Let us do what we can, still the world cannot be secured to us, therefore we must choose a more lasting portion; but by the blessing of God upon our honest labours, we may expect to enjoy as much of earthly blessings as is good for us.

The character of these proverbs sustains the title (see Introduction). also--refers to the former part of the book. copied out--literally, "transferred," that is, from some other book to this; not given from memory.

God's unsearchableness impresses us with awe (compare Isa 45:15; Ro 11:33). But kings, being finite, should confer with wise counsellors;

Ye wisely keeping state secrets, which to common men are as inaccessible heights and depths.

As separating impurities from ore leaves pure silver, so taking from a king wicked counsellors leaves a wise and beneficent government.

before--or, "in presence of," as courtiers stood about a king.

Do not intrude into the presence of the king, for the elevation of the humble is honorable, but the humbling of the proud disgraceful (Lu 14:8-10).

(Compare Pr 3:30). lest ... shame--lest you do what you ought not, when shamed by defeat, or "lest thou art shut out from doing any thing."

(Compare Mt 5:25, Margin). secret--that is, of your opponent, for his disadvantage, and so you be disgraced, not having discussed your difficulties with him.

a word fitly--literally, "quickly," as wheels roll, just in time. The comparison as apples ... silver gives a like sense. apples, &c.--either real apples of golden color, in a silver network basket, or imitations on silver embroidery.

Those who desire to know and do rightly, most highly esteem good counsel (Pr 9:9; 15:31). The listening ear is better than one hung with gold.

Snow from mountains was used to cool drinks; so refreshing is a faithful messenger (Pr 13:17).

clouds--literally, "vapors" (Jer 10:13), clouds only in appearance. a false gift--promised, but not given.

Gentleness and kindness overcome the most powerful and obstinate. long forbearing--or, "slowness to anger" (Pr 14:29; 15:18).

A comparison, as a surfeit of honey produces physical disgust, so your company, however agreeable in moderation, may, if excessive, lead your friend to hate you.

A false witness is as destructive to reputation, as such weapons to the body (Pr 24:28). beareth ... witness--literally, "answereth questions," as before a judge, against his neighbor.

Treachery annoys as well as deceives.

Not only is the incongruity of songs (that is, joyful) and sadness meant, but an accession of sadness, by want of sympathy, is implied.

(Compare Mt 5:44; Ro 12:20). As metals are melted by heaping coals upon them, so is the heart softened by kindness.

Better, "As the north wind bringeth forth (Ps 90:2) or produces rain, so does a concealed or slandering tongue produce anger."

(Compare Pr 21:9, 19).

(Compare Pr 25:13). good news--that is, of some loved interest or absent friend, the more grateful as coming from afar.

From troubled fountains and corrupt springs no healthy water is to be had, so when the righteous are oppressed by the wicked, their power for good is lessened or destroyed.

Satiety surfeits (Pr 25:16); so men who are self-glorious find shame. is not glory--"not" is supplied from the first clause, or "is grievous," in which sense a similar word is used (Pr 27:2).

Such are exposed to the incursions of evil thoughts and successful temptations.

The incongruities of nature illustrate also those of the moral world. The fool's unworthiness is also implied (Pr 17:7; 19:10).

Though not obvious to us, the bird--literally, "sparrow"--and swallow--have an object in their motions, so penal evil falls on none without a reason.

The rod is as much needed by fools and as well suited to them, as whips and bridles are for beasts.

Answer not--that is, approvingly by like folly.

Answer--by reproof.

A fool fails by folly as surely as if he were maimed. drinketh damage--that is, gets it abundantly (Job 15:16; 34:7).

legs ... equal--or, "take away the legs," or "the legs ... are weak." In any case the idea is that they are the occasion of an awkwardness, such as the fool shows in using a parable or proverb (see Introduction; Pr 17:7).

A stone, bound in a sling, is useless; so honor, conferred on a fool, is thrown away.

As vexatious and unmanageable as a thorn in a drunkard's hand is a parable to a fool. He will be as apt to misuse is as to use it rightly.

Various versions of this are proposed (compare Margin). Better perhaps--"Much He injures (or literally, "wounds") all who reward," &c., that is, society is injured by encouraging evil men. transgressors--may be rendered "vagrants." The word "God" is improperly supplied.

returneth ... folly--Though disgusting to others, the fool delights in his folly.

The self-conceited are taught with more difficulty than the stupid.

(Compare Pr 22:13).

(Compare Pr 6:10; 24:33).

(Compare Pr 19:24).

The thoughtless being ignorant of their ignorance are conceited.

meddleth--as in Pr 20:19; 24:21; as either holding a dog by the ears or letting him go involves danger, so success in another man's strife or failure involves a useless risk of reputation, does no good, and may do us harm.

Such are reckless of results.

The talebearers foster (Pr 16:28), and the contentious excite, strife.

(Compare Pr 18:8).

Warm professions can no more give value to insincerity than silver coating to rude earthenware.

dissembleth--though an unusual sense of the word (compare Margin), is allowable, and better suits the context, which sets forth hypocrisy.

Sentiment of Pr 26:24 carried out. seven abominations in his heart--that is, very many (compare Pr 24:16).

Deceit will at last be exposed, and the wicked by their own arts often bring on retribution (compare Pr 12:13; Ps 7:16; 9:17, &c.).

Men hate those they injure. A lying tongue--"lips" for the persons (compare Pr 4:24; Ps 12:3).

Do not confide implicitly in your plans (Pr 16:9; 19:21; Jas 4:13-15).

Avoid self-praise.

heavy--The literal sense of "heavy," applied to material subjects, illustrates its figurative, "grievous," applied to moral. a fool's wrath--is unreasonable and excessive.

envy--or, "jealousy" (compare Margin; Pr 6:34), is more unappeasable than the simpler bad passions.

secret love--not manifested in acts is useless; and even, if its exhibition by rebukes wounds us, such love is preferable to the frequent (compare Margin), and hence deceitful, kisses of an enemy.

The luxury of wealth confers less happiness than the healthy appetite of labor.

Such are not only out of place, but out of duty and in danger.

rejoice the heart--the organ of perceiving what pleases the senses. sweetness ... counsel--or, "wise counsel is also pleasing."

Adhere to tried friends. The ties of blood may be less reliable than those of genuine friendship.

The wisdom of children both reflects credit on parents and contributes to their aid in difficulties.

(Compare Pr 20:16; 22:3).

Excessive zeal in praising raises suspicions of selfishness.

(Compare Pr 19:13). very ... day--literally, "a day of showers."

hideth--or, "restrains" (that is, tries to do it); is as fruitless an effort, as that of holding the wind. the ointment of his right hand--the organ of power (Ps 17:7; 18:35). His right hand endeavors to repress perfume, but vainly. Some prefer: "His right hand comes on oil," that is, "cannot take hold." Such a woman cannot be tamed.

a man sharpeneth ... friend--that is, conversation promotes intelligence, which the face exhibits.

Diligence secures a reward, even for the humble servant.

We may see our characters in the developed tempers of others.

Men's cupidity is as insatiable as the grave.

Praise tests character. a man to his praise--according to his praise, as he bears it. Thus vain men seek it, weak men are inflated by it, wise men disregard it, &c.

The obstinate wickedness of such is incurable by the heaviest inflictions.

flocks--constituted the staple of wealth. It is only by care and diligence that the most solid possessions can be perpetuated (Pr 23:5). 25-27. The fact that providential arrangements furnish the means of competence to those who properly use them is another motive to diligence (compare Ps 65:9-13). The hay appeareth--literally, "Grass appeareth" (Job 40:15; Ps 104:14).

household--literally, "house," the family (Ac 16:15; 1Co 1:16).