1. The incongruities of nature
illustrate also those of the moral world. The fool's unworthiness is
also implied (Proverbs 17:7; Proverbs 19:10).
2. 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.
3. The rod is as much needed by
fools and as well suited to them, as whips and bridles are for
beasts.
4, 5. Answer not—that is,
approvingly by like folly.
6. A fool fails by folly as
surely as if he were maimed.
drinketh damage—that
is, gets it abundantly (Job 15:16;
Job 34:7).
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 ;
Proverbs 17:7).
8. A stone, bound in a sling, is
useless; so honor, conferred on a fool, is thrown away.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. returneth . . . folly—Though
disgusting to others, the fool delights in his folly.
12. The self-conceited are
taught with more difficulty than the stupid.
16. The thoughtless being
ignorant of their ignorance are conceited.
17. meddleth—as in Proverbs 20:19;
Proverbs 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.
18, 19. Such are reckless of
results.
20, 21. The talebearers foster
(Proverbs 16:28), and the
contentious excite, strife.
23. Warm professions can
no more give value to insincerity than silver coating to rude
earthenware.
24. dissembleth—though an
unusual sense of the word (compare Margin), is allowable, and
better suits the context, which sets forth hypocrisy.
25. Sentiment of carried out.
seven abominations in his
heart—that is, very many (compare ).
CHAPTER 26
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1. The incongruities of nature illustrate also those of the moral world. The fool's unworthiness is also implied (Proverbs 17:7; Proverbs 19:10).
2. 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.
3. The rod is as much needed by fools and as well suited to them, as whips and bridles are for beasts.
4, 5. Answer not—that is, approvingly by like folly.
5. Answer—by reproof.
6. A fool fails by folly as surely as if he were maimed.
drinketh damage—that is, gets it abundantly (Job 15:16; Job 34:7).
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 ; Proverbs 17:7).
8. A stone, bound in a sling, is useless; so honor, conferred on a fool, is thrown away.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. returneth . . . folly—Though disgusting to others, the fool delights in his folly.
12. The self-conceited are taught with more difficulty than the stupid.
13. (Compare ).
14. (Compare Proverbs 6:10; Proverbs 24:33).
15. (Compare ).
16. The thoughtless being ignorant of their ignorance are conceited.
17. meddleth—as in Proverbs 20:19; Proverbs 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.
18, 19. Such are reckless of results.
20, 21. The talebearers foster (Proverbs 16:28), and the contentious excite, strife.
22. (Compare ).
23. Warm professions can no more give value to insincerity than silver coating to rude earthenware.
24. dissembleth—though an unusual sense of the word (compare Margin), is allowable, and better suits the context, which sets forth hypocrisy.
25. Sentiment of carried out.
seven abominations in his heart—that is, very many (compare ).
26, 27. Deceit will at last be exposed, and the wicked by their own arts often bring on retribution (compare Proverbs 12:13; Psalms 7:16; Psalms 9:17, &c.).
28. Men hate those they injure.
A lying tongue—"lips" for the persons (compare Proverbs 4:24; Psalms 12:3).