Bibelkommentare

XVIII.

(1) Through desire a man, having separated himself . . .—This should probably be rendered, The separatist seeketh after his own desire, against all improvement he shows his teeth. The man of small mind is here described, who will only follow his own narrow aims, who holds himself aloof from men of wider views than his own, and will not join with them in the furtherance of philanthropic or religious plans, but rather opposes them with all his power, as he can see nothing but mischief in them. (For his temper of mind, comp. John 7:47-49.)

Intermeddleth.—See above on Proverbs 17:14.

Wisdom.—See above on Proverbs 2:7.

(2) But that his heart may discover itself—i.e., unless his cleverness can be displayed thereby; he does not prize understanding for itself, apart from his own interests.

(3) When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt.—Comp. the whole burden of Psalms 106, that sorrow and shame follow sin.

(4) The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters . . .—i.e., the words of a “man,” properly so called, are as deep waters which cannot be easily fathomed; they are a copious stream, which flows from a never failing source; they are a fountain of wisdom which is never exhausted.

(6) His mouth calleth for strokes, which he provokes by his insolence and quarrelsomeness.

(7) A fool’s mouth is his destruction.—See above on Proverbs 12:13.

(8) The words of a talebearer are as wounds.—Or, more probably, “as dainty morsels” that are eagerly swallowed, and “go down into the innermost parts of the belly,” i.e., are treasured up in the deepest recesses of the heart, to be remembered and brought out again when an opportunity for employing them occurs.

(9) He also that is slothful in his work.—Whatsoever it may be that is committed to his care, is “brother to him that is a great waster,” or “destroyer “; neglect of duty causes almost as much mischief in life as active wickedness.