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 [Pr 22:13]).
14. (Compare [Pr 6:10]; ).
15. (Compare [Pr 19:24]).
16. The thoughtless being ignorant of their ignorance are conceited.
17. meddleth--as in [Pr 20:19]; ; 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 ([Pr 16:28]), and the contentious excite, strife.
22. (Compare [Pr 18:8]).
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 [Pr 26:24] carried out.
seven abominations in his heart--that is, very many (compare [Pr 24:16]).
26-27. Deceit will at last be exposed, and the wicked by their own arts often bring on retribution (compare [Pr 12:13]; [Psa 7:16]; , &c.).
28. Men hate those they injure.
A lying tongue--"lips" for the persons (compare [Pr 4:24]; [Psa 12:3]).
Chapter 27
[Pr 27:1-27].
1. Do not confide implicitly in your plans ([Pr 16:9]; ; [Jas 4:13-15]).
2. Avoid self-praise.
3. heavy--The literal sense of "heavy," applied to material subjects, illustrates its figurative, "grievous," applied to moral.
a fool's wrath--is unreasonable and excessive.
4. envy--or, "jealousy" (compare Margin; [Pr 6:34]), is more unappeasable than the simpler bad passions.
5-6. secret love--not manifested in acts is useless; and even, if its exhibition by rebukes wounds us, such love is preferable to the frequent (compare Margin), and hence deceitful, kisses of an enemy.
7. The luxury of wealth confers less happiness than the healthy appetite of labor.
8. Such are not only out of place, but out of duty and in danger.
9. rejoice the heart--the organ of perceiving what pleases the senses.
sweetness ... counsel--or, "wise counsel is also pleasing."
10. Adhere to tried friends. The ties of blood may be less reliable than those of genuine friendship.
11. The wisdom of children both reflects credit on parents and contributes to their aid in difficulties.
12-13. (Compare [Pr 20:16]; ).
14. Excessive zeal in praising raises suspicions of selfishness.
15. (Compare [Pr 19:13]).
very ... day--literally, "a day of showers."
16. hideth--or, "restrains" (that is, tries to do it); is as fruitless an effort, as that of holding the wind.
the ointment of his right hand--the organ of power ([Psa 17:7]; ). His right hand endeavors to repress perfume, but vainly. Some prefer: "His right hand comes on oil," that is, "cannot take hold." Such a woman cannot be tamed.
17. a man sharpeneth ... friend--that is, conversation promotes intelligence, which the face exhibits.
18. Diligence secures a reward, even for the humble servant.
19. We may see our characters in the developed tempers of others.
20. Men's cupidity is as insatiable as the grave.
21. Praise tests character.
a man to his praise--according to his praise, as he bears it. Thus vain men seek it, weak men are inflated by it, wise men disregard it, &c.