Bible Commentaries

Courts. Quarrels

1-7. relate to kings and courts.

1. By the men of Hezekiah the author of this v. doubtless means literary men at the king's court. These, he says, transcribed the following proverbs from some other collection or collections. It will be noticed that many of them have appeared earlier in the book.

2. The works of God in history and nature are beyond us (Deuteronomy 29:29; Job 11:7; Job 15:8; Isaiah 45:15; Romans 11:33). A king should be conversant with all that is going on (1 Kings 3:16; Job 29:11).

4, 5. Finer] a contraction of 'refiner,' as 'fining pot' (Proverbs 17:3) is of 'refining pot.' But we learn from LXX that the original reading was, 'And it cometh forth perfectly pure.'

6-8. Forth] RV 'forward': cp. Luke 14:11. The last words of Luke 14:7 belong to Luke 14:8, 'What thine eyes have seen, go not forth hastily to dispute about. For what wilt thou do in the end, when,' etc.

9, 10. To disclose the discreditable secret even of an adversary brings one an evil name.

11. The words appear to mean, 'A word spoken in season is golden fruit in silver carvings.'

13. Snow is used in the East to cool a beverage, as we use ice.

14. Of a false gift] RV 'of his gifts falsely.' 'Much cry and little wool.'

18. A maul is a mace, club, or hammer.

20. The first clause should probably be omitted, and the v. should begin thus: 'Vinegar on a wound,' etc. The Heb. words for nitre and 'wound' are almost identical. To sing songs for one who is of a heavy heart is almost as cruel as to pour vinegar on a wound.

22. Heap coals of fire, etc.] i.e. make him burn with shame: cp. Romans 12:20.

23. Driveth away] RV 'bringeth forth.'

26. The fountain is troubled by the feet of animals (Ezekiel 32:2; Ezekiel 34:18).

27. LXX. reads, 'It is not good,' etc.: 'Therefore be sparing in words of commendation.' Too much flattery is like too much honey.

28. 'Man who man would be must rule the empire of himself.'