Comentarios bíblicos

Of sacrifices; of the remainders of sacrifices, of which they used to make feasts; of which See Poole "Proverbs 7:14". Or, of slain beasts, as that word is used, Genesis 31:54, and elsewhere.

Shall have rule over a son that causeth shame; either as being by his father appointed tutor or guardian to his son; or being by his wisdom advanced to that estate and dignity which the other possibly hath lost by his folly.

Shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren; partly as a just recompence for his faithful service, as Genesis 15:2,3, &c., and partly as an obligation to him to take care of his children.

The hearts of men cannot be searched and known by any human art, but by God only.

A wicked doer, or, a malicious or mischievous man, whose practice and delight it is to bring trouble to others,

giveth heed to false lips, Heb. to lips of iniquity, to any wicked counsels or speeches, to false accusations and calumnies, which give him occasion and encouragement to do mischief.

A liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue; he who accustometh himself to false and wicked speaking delighteth in the like speeches of other men. This proverb contains a comparison between an evil-doer and an evil-speaker, and showeth their agreement in the same sinful practice of being greedy to hear false and wicked speeches.

Mocketh the poor; derideth or reproacheth him with or for his poverty.

His Maker; God, who by his providence made him poor. See the same assertion Proverbs 14:31.

At calamities; at the miseries of other men.

The crown of old men; their honour and happiness, because they are in themselves blessings of God, and testimonies of God’s favour, although sometimes they may become the shame of their father’s house.

Their fathers; namely, such fathers as are wise and godly, as is evident from the nature of the thing, for wicked parents bring infamy upon their children.

Excellent speech; either,

1. Discourse of high and excellent things far above his capacity. Or,

2. Lofty or eloquent speech, which fools oft affect, Or,

3. Virtuous and godly discourse.

A fool; either properly so called; or, as this word is most commonly used in this book, a wicked man, whose actions give the lie to his expressions.

As a precious stone; pleasant and acceptable, and withal dazzleth his eyes.

Of him that hath it, Heb. of the lord or owner of it; either,

1. Of the giver; or rather,

2. Of the receiver of it, who by the giver is made lord of it; for to his eyes it was exposed, that he might discern the beauty and worth of it, and thereby be allured to do what was desired, which accordingly he did, as it here follows.

Whithersoever it turneth; to whomsoever it is presented. But this, as also many other proverbs, are to be understood of the common course or effect with most men, but not universally of all men.