Proverbs 20:1
XX. (1) WINE IS A MOCKER, STRONG DRINK IS RAGING — _i.e.,_ producing these effects in those who subject themselves to their power.... [ Continue Reading ]
XX. (1) WINE IS A MOCKER, STRONG DRINK IS RAGING — _i.e.,_ producing these effects in those who subject themselves to their power.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE FEAR OF A KING IS AS THE ROARING OF A LION, _i.e.,_ the dread which he casts upon others when he is becoming angry is a warning of approaching. danger. SINNETH AGAINST HIS OWN SOUL — _i.e._, against his own life.... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT EVERY FOOL. — Self-willed person. (Comp. Proverbs 1:22.) WILL BE MEDDLING. — Or, rather, _shewing his teeth:_ (Comp. Proverbs 17:14) thinking that his own personal dignity is at stake.... [ Continue Reading ]
COUNSEL IN THE HEART OF MAN IS LIKE DEEP WATER. — The wise thoughts of a “man,” fitly so-called (comp. Proverbs 18:4), may be hid deep in his breast, like the waters of a well, but a man of understanding knows how to draw them out as by a windlass and bucket (Exodus 2:16).... [ Continue Reading ]
MOST MEN WILL PROCLAIM EVERY ONE HIS OWN GOODNESS. — Will be full of his benevolent intentions, “but a faithful man,” who carries out these promises, “who can find?”... [ Continue Reading ]
THE JUST MAN. — Comp. Proverbs 10:2. HIS CHILDREN ARE BLESSED AFTER HIM. — Comp. 1 Kings 15:4; Jeremiah 33:20.... [ Continue Reading ]
A KING THAT SITTETH IN THE THRONE OF JUDGMENT... — See note on Proverbs 16:12.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHO CAN SAY, I HAVE MADE MY HEART CLEAN? — Though we may have done our best by self-examination and confession, and repentance and trust in the atoning blood of Christ to obtain remission of sin, still the heart is so deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9), sins may so easily have escaped our notice (Psalms 19:1... [ Continue Reading ]
DIVERS WEIGHTS AND DIVERS MEASURES... — See above on Proverbs 11:1.... [ Continue Reading ]
EVEN A CHILD IS KNOWN BY HIS DOINGS... — The disposition soon shews itself; all the more reason, therefore, to train it betimes.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LORD HATH MADE EVEN BOTH OF THEM. — And, therefore, they are to be used as He would have them. (Comp. our Lord’s constant warning, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”) The proverb may also remind us of the admonition in Proverbs 15:3, and Psalms 94:9, to remember God’s constant watchfulne... [ Continue Reading ]
OPEN THINE EYES. — Be up and stirring.... [ Continue Reading ]
IT IS NAUGHT, SAITH THE BUYER. — He cries down the goods he wants to purchase. THEN HE BOASTETH. — How he has outdone the seller, and got the goods below their value. For other notices of cheating in trade see above on Proverbs 11:1.... [ Continue Reading ]
RUBIES. — See above on Proverbs 3:15. LIPS OF KNOWLEDGE. — See above on Proverbs 18:4.... [ Continue Reading ]
TAKE HIS GARMENT THAT IS SURETY FOR A STRANGER. — Another warning against suretiship. (See above on Proverbs 6:1.) If a man is rash enough to become surety for another, he must suffer for his imprudence, and learn wisdom by feeling the effects of his folly. AND TAKE A PLEDGE OF HIM FOR A STRANGE WO... [ Continue Reading ]
FLATTERETH WITH HIS LIPS. — Rather, _is open with his lips,_ cannot keep them shut.... [ Continue Reading ]
HIS LAMP SHALL BE PUT OUT IN OBSCURE DARKNESS. — See above, on Proverbs 13:9.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE END THEREOF SHALL NOT BE BLESSED. — Comp. Proverbs 28:20 : the evil means by which he acquired the possession will, at the last, be visited upon him. Thus Jacob was punished severely for the selfishness by which he gained the birthright, and for the fraud by which he obtained the blessing belong... [ Continue Reading ]
WAIT ON THE LORD AND HE SHALL SAVE THEE. — Do not look for vengeance on enemies (for they are to be forgiven), but for deliverance from their attacks; forget their malice, remember only God’s love for thee, and trust in Him. (Comp. 1 Peter 3:13; Romans 8:28.)... [ Continue Reading ]
MAN’S GOINGS ARE OF THE LORD. — Comp. Jeremiah 10:23 and the collect, “O God, from whom... all just works do proceed.” HOW CAN A MAN THEN UNDERSTAND HIS OWN WAY? — _i.e._, how he should go. So much the more reason for the prayer of Psalms 25:3, “Shew me thy ways, O Lord.” (Comp. Psalms 119:33, _ff,... [ Continue Reading ]
IT IS A SNARE TO A MAN WHO DEVOURETH THAT WHICH IS HOLY. — Rather, _It is a snare for a man_ (_i.e.,_ gets him into trouble) _rashly to say,_ “_It is dedicated”_ (i.e., when he thoughtlessly dedicates anything to God), _and after he has vowed to enquire_ (whether he can keep his word). (Comp. Sir. 5... [ Continue Reading ]
A WISE KING SCATTERETH THE WICKED. — Rather, _winnows_ them. AND BRINGETH THE WHEEL OVER THEM. — Comp. Isaiah 28:27. A sort of sledge or cart was driven over the stalks of corn spread upon the threshing-floor, by means of which the grain was separated from the husk. A wise king winnows out evil per... [ Continue Reading ]
THE SPIRIT OF MAN IS THE CANDLE OF THE LORD. — The spirit of man, breathed into him at first by the Creator (Genesis 2:7), and afterwards quickened and illumined by the Divine Spirit, is the “candle of the Lord,” given to man as an inward light and guide. SEARCHING ALL THE INWARD PARTS OF THE BELLY.... [ Continue Reading ]
MERCY AND TRUTH PRESERVE THE KING. — See above on Proverbs 3:3. The love and faithfulness he shows to his subjects draw out the same qualities in them, and these are the safeguard of his throne. So (Psalms 130:4) the mercy shown by God inspires man with a reverent fear of Him, while harshness might... [ Continue Reading ]
THE BEAUTY OF OLD MEN IS THE GREY HEAD. — As suggesting the possession of experience and wisdom. It is the fault of the aged, therefore, if they do not receive the honour due to them, and this arises from their not having so spent their youth and middle age as to make their old age venerable.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE BLUENESS OF A WOUND. — Rather, _the stripes of a wound,_ or wounds which cut into the flesh, cleanse away evil. SO DO STRIPES THE INWARD PARTS OF THE BELLY. — Better, _and blows_ (which reach) _the inward parts of the belly, i.e.,_ which are felt in the inmost recesses of the heart (comp. Prove... [ Continue Reading ]