Bibelkommentare

XVII.

(1) A house full of sacrifices.—Possibly the same as the “peace offerings” of Proverbs 7:14 (where see note). The consumption of these may have at times degenerated into licence (comp. 1Samuel 1:13), and quarrelling have ensued.

(2) A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame. . . .—This was strikingly exhibited in the case of Ziba, who by his timely succour to David (2 Samuel 16), first gained all the property of his master, Mephibosheth (i.e., the “man of shame”), and was later confirmed in the possession of half of it. Slaves, especially those “born in the house,” often rose to a position of great trust. (Comp. Genesis 24:2; Genesis 39:4-6.) Eliezer would have been Abraham’s heir had not Isaac been born (Genesis 15:3).

(3) The fining pot is for silver.—See above on Proverbs 2:4.

The Lord trieth the hearts.—By allowing sorrows and temptations to assail them, in order that they may come out of the trial as pure gold (Revelation 3:18; 1Peter 1:7; 1Corinthians 3:13; Malachi 3:3), purged of earthly infirmities.

(5) Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker.—See above on Proverbs 14:31.

He that is glad at calamities.—Of enemies. (Comp. Proverbs 24:18; Job 31:29.)

(6) Children’s children are the crown of old men.—Comp. Psalms 127, 128.

The glory of children are their fathers.—And, as such, to be honoured by them. For the blessing which parents bring to children, comp. 1Kings 11:13; 1Kings 15:4; Jeremiah 33:21.

(7) Excellent speech becometh not a fool.—Rather, perhaps, Superfluous or pretentious words become not a vile person (nābhāl), such as is described in Isaiah 32:6. (Comp. 1Samuel 25:25.)

Much less do lying lips a prince.—Or, liberal person (Isaiah 32:8): noblesse oblige.

(8) A gift is as a precious stone . . .—A description of the influence of bribery:—A bribe is as a jewel in the eyes of him that receives it; whithersoever he turns he prospers: all his energies are called out by the prospect of gain, so that he carries out successfully all that he sets his hand to. The constant warnings against this form of corruption, from the time of Moses (Exodus 23:8) to that of the prophets (Amos 5:12; Isaiah 1:23, &c), show the prevalence of the evil in Israel.

(9) He that covereth a transgression seeketh love—i.e., one who does not notice, but rather conceals and excuses, anything done against him; that man “follows after charity” (1Corinthians 14:1). (Comp. Proverbs 10:12.)

He that repeateth a matter, who is always returning to old grievances, “alienates (even his) chief friend.”