1
Pr 26:1-28.
2
無題
2. Though not obvious to us,
the bird--literally, "sparrow"--and
swallow--have an object in their motions, so penal evil falls on none without a reason.
3
無題
3. The rod is as much needed by fools and as well suited to them, as whips and bridles are for beasts.
4
無題
4, 5. Answer not--that is, approvingly by like folly.
5
無題
5. Answer--by reproof.
6
無題
6. A fool fails by folly as surely as if he were maimed.
drinketh damage--that is, gets it abundantly
(Job 15:16; 34:7).
7
無題
7. legs . . . equal--or, "take away the legs," or "the legs . . . are weak." In any case the idea is that they are the occasion of an awkwardness, such as the fool shows in using a parable or proverb (see
Introduction;
Pr 17:7).
8
無題
8. A stone, bound in a sling, is useless; so honor, conferred on a fool, is thrown away.
9
無題
9. As vexatious and unmanageable as a thorn in a drunkard's hand is a parable to a fool. He will be as apt to misuse is as to use it rightly.
10
無題
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
無題
11. returneth . . . folly--Though disgusting to others, the fool delights in his folly.
12
無題
12. The self-conceited are taught with more difficulty than the stupid.
13
無題
13. (Compare
Pr 22:13).
14
無題
14. (Compare
Pr 6:10; 24:33).
15
無題
15. (Compare
Pr 19:24).
16
無題
16. The thoughtless being ignorant of their ignorance are conceited.
17
無題
17. meddleth--as in
Pr 20:19; 24:21;
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
無題
18, 19. Such are reckless of results.
20
無題
20, 21. The talebearers foster
(Pr 16:28),
and the contentious excite, strife.
22
無題
22. (Compare
Pr 18:8).
23
無題
23. Warm professions can no more give value to insincerity than silver coating to rude earthenware.
24
無題
24. dissembleth--though an unusual sense of the word (compare Margin), is allowable, and better suits the context, which sets forth hypocrisy.
25
無題
25. Sentiment of
Pr 26:24
carried out.
seven abominations in his heart--that is, very many (compare
Pr 24:16).
26
無題
26, 27. Deceit will at last be exposed, and the wicked by their own arts often bring on retribution (compare
Pr 12:13; Ps 7:16; 9:17,
&c.).
28
無題
28. Men hate those they injure.
A lying tongue--"lips" for the persons (compare
Pr 4:24; Ps 12:3).
Pr 26:1-28.
1. The incongruities of nature illustrate also those of the moral world. The fool's unworthiness is also implied
(Pr 17:7; 19:10).