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Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

Proverbs 27

Proverbs 27:1

_a day_ This is taken to mean _the_(coming) _day, the morrow_, both by LXX. (ἡ ἐπιοῦσα), and Vulg. (superventura dies), as well as by some modern commentators (comp. St James 4:13-14); but the absence of the article shews that the rendering of A.V., which is followed by R.V., is right.... [ Continue Reading ]

Proverbs 27:5

_secret_ Better, with R.V., THAT IS HIDDEN; i.e. that does not manifest itself in rebuke, when it is needed. Maurer quotes aptly from Seneca, _Ep_. 25, and Plautus _Trinum_. Acts 1. Sc. ii., 57; and also from Cicero, _Lœl_. 25: "Ut igitur et monere et moneri proprium est veræ amicitiæ, et alteram l... [ Continue Reading ]

Proverbs 27:6

_deceitful_ This rendering follows the _fraudulenta_of the Vulgate; whereas _earnest_(A.V. marg.) may be due to the ἑκούσια of the LXX. The alternative rendering of A.V. marg., _frequent_, or, as it is happily given in R.V., PROFUSE, is to be preferred. He overdoes his part.... [ Continue Reading ]

Proverbs 27:7

_loatheth_ Lit. _treads under foot; calcabit_, Vulg. The second clause of the verse has been compared with Horace's "Jejunus stomachus raro vulgaria temnit." _Sat_. ii. 2. 38.... [ Continue Reading ]

Proverbs 27:8

"The true bird-life is the life of the woods, of the toilsomely-woven nest, of the mate and the brood and the fledglings.… True human life is the life of our fellows, of the diligent laborious housebuilding, of the home, of the young, of the rising nestlings which are to form the next link in the lo... [ Continue Reading ]

Proverbs 27:10

The aim of this proverb is not of course to depreciate natural affection, but to warn against pressing unduly the claims of kinship and blood relationship, on which, with the sanction of the Law of Moses, such store was set in the East. Do not think it necessary, says the writer, to seek out in thy... [ Continue Reading ]

Proverbs 27:14

Ostentatious professions of regard, like the profuse kisses of an enemy (Proverbs 27:6), justly incur the suspicion of sinister design.... [ Continue Reading ]

Proverbs 27:16

_Whosoever hideth_&c. The verse is better rendered: HE THAT WOULD RESTRAIN HER RESTRAINETH THE WIND, AND HIS RIGHT HAND MEETS WITH OIL. "She is as subtle as wind, as slippery as oil," _Rel. Tr. Soc. Comm_. The A.V. takes the second clause of the verse to mean, You might as well try to conceal... [ Continue Reading ]

Proverbs 27:17

_sharpeneth_ This has been understood to mean _exasperates_. Comp. _Mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me_, Job 16:9 (where, however, the Hebrew word is different). But, as it is _a friend_that is spoken of here, it is better to take the proverb in a good sense. See for illustrations, 1 Kings 10:1;... [ Continue Reading ]

Proverbs 27:19

in _water_ This rendering of A.V., which is retained in R.V. text, gives a good and pregnant meaning: As truly as the face seen in the water resembles the face of which it is the reflection, so truly does the heart of one man correspond to that of another in all the essential features of our common... [ Continue Reading ]

Proverbs 27:20

_Hell and destruction_ See Proverbs 15:11, note. _full_ Rather, SATISFIED, the Heb. word being the same as at the end of the verse. Comp. Ecclesiastes 1:8; Ecclesiastes 4:8.... [ Continue Reading ]

Proverbs 27:21

_to his praise_ The meaning is brought out more clearly in R.V. text: THE FINING POT IS FOR SILVER, AND THE FURNACE FOR GOLD, AND A MAN IS _tried_ BY HIS PRAISE: i.e. by the manner in which he bears the praise bestowed upon him. Two alternatives are given in R.V. marg.: _that which he praiseth... [ Continue Reading ]

Proverbs 27:22

_wheat_ Rather, BRUISED CORN. In the only other place in which it occurs (2 Samuel 17:19) the word is rendered _ground corn_, A.V., and _bruised corn_, R.V. See note there in this Series. Proverbs 27:23. The praises of agriculture, or of pastoral life. It well repays the diligence bestowed upon it... [ Continue Reading ]

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