Bible Commentary

The beginning of strife [is as] when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with. 14. letteth out water ] by making ever so small a hole or fissure in a dam, or in the bank of a reservoir, such as Solomon himself constructed (Ecc 2:6). “aggeribus ruptis cum spumeus … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Proverbs 17:14”

Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. Verse 13. Whoso rewardeth evil for good] Here is a most awful warning. As many persons are guilty of the sin of ingratitude, and of paying kindness with unkindness, and good with evil, it is no wonder we find so much wretchedness among … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Proverbs 17:13”

Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly. 12. a bear &c.] “The Syrian bear is fiercer than the brown bears to which we are accustomed. It attacks flocks (1Sa 17:34), and even oxen (Plin. viii. 64). The fierceness of the she-bear, bereaved of her whelps, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Proverbs 17:12”

An evil [man] seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. 11. rebellion ] This, in its highest reference, is an anticipation of the divine philosophy of St John, “sin is lawlessness” ( ). “Sin is lawlessness. Sin and lawlessness are convertible terms. Sin is not an arbitrary conception; it is … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Proverbs 17:11”

A reproof entereth more into a wise man than a hundred stripes into a fool. 10. more ] Rather, deeper, R.V.; as we say, makes a deeper impression. See Pro 18:8, Pro 26:22. Maurer compares “altius in pectus descendit” (Sall. Jug. 11), “curam in animos descensuram” (Liv. 2. 52); and for the sentiment, “nobilis equus … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Proverbs 17:10”

He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth [very] friends. 9. repeateth ] i.e. brings it up again and again, harpeth on it, as R.V. happily renders. Comp. Pro 26:11, “a fool repeateth his folly,” R.V.; “Heb. iterateth his folly,” A.V. marg. very friends ] Rather, chief friends, as … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Proverbs 17:9”

A gift [is as] a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth. 8. him that hath it ] Lit. its lord or possessor. This may mean either the giver, or the receiver of it. The former sense seems preferable. He who has a gift to bestow counts … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Proverbs 17:8”

Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince. 7. Excellent ] Or, arrogant, R.V. marg. Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges The margin renderings are more literal and give greater emphasis. What is pointed out is not the unfitness of lying lips for the princely-hearted, but the necessity … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Proverbs 17:7”

Children’s children [are] the crown of old men; and the glory of children [are] their fathers. 6. “A beautiful family picture of linked and mutually blessed “generations.” Horton. Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges The reciprocity of good in sustained family relationships. A long line of childrens children is the glory of old … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Proverbs 17:6”

Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: [and] he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished. 5. his Maker ] Comp. Pro 14:31. glad at calamities ] “It belonged to the Greek mind in its fertility of combination, to express it (the temper here spoken of) by the single word (Arist. Eth. Nicom. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Proverbs 17:5”