A SOFT ANSWER TURNETH AWAY WRATH— Lord Bacon applies this aphorism particularly to a man's behaviour towards a prince or other great person, when he is angry with him. Solomon advises two things in this case; the one is, that an answer be made; the other, that it be soft; the first of which contains... [ Continue Reading ]
A WHOLESOME TONGUE IS A TREE OF LIFE— _A wholesome tongue,_ or _a tongue which heals,_ or _the health of the tongue, is a tree of life, but when it is perverse it breaks the spirit;_ or, _the perversity, the corruption of the tongue, is the death of the spirit._ A tongue which instructs, which conso... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LIPS OF THE WISE DISPERSE KNOWLEDGE— _The lips of the wise keep knowledge; not so the heart of fools._ Houbigant.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE SACRIFICE OF THE WICKED IS AN ABOMINATION— Melancthon thinks that this is a caution against resting in ceremonious worship, without holiness and moral virtue. See his Treatise concerning the Method of Preaching.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THAT IS OF A MERRY HEART HATH A CONTINUAL FEAST— A mind conscious of good intentions, though success be wanting, affords truer and purer joy, than all that this world can furnish a man with, either for the enjoyment of his desires, or the repose of his mind. Lord Bacon.... [ Continue Reading ]
BETTER IS A DINNER OF HERBS— They eat very little meat in the east in comparison with what we do: bread, _dibbs, leban,_ butter, rice, and a very little mutton, make the chief of their food in the winter, says Dr. Russel, speaking of the common people of Aleppo; as rice, bread, cheese, and fruit, do... [ Continue Reading ]
A MAN HATH JOY BY THE ANSWER OF HIS MOUTH— The meaning is, according to Grotius, "Every one may pique himself on account of his speeches; but those are truly well spoken which are spoken in season." Agreeably to this interpretation, Houbigant renders it, _Every one applauds himself in that which he... [ Continue Reading ]
THE WAY OF LIFE IS ABOVE TO THE WISE— Or, _The way of life to the wise is above._... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LIGHT OF THE EYES REJOICETH THE HEART— _The light of the eyes refresheth the mind; a good report the marrow of the bones._ Houbigant. In the same manner that the sensible light rejoices a sound eye, and diffuses its pleasure through the whole soul, a good reputation gives pleasure, and contribut... [ Continue Reading ]