Proverbs 27

Notes

Ver. 1. Never boast what thou wilt be, or do, in any future period; for thou knowest not what changes Providence may make in a very short time. 2. Never commend thy own excellencies or works; but leave that to others who cannot be suspected of partiality. 3, 4. The anger, cruelty, and rage of foolish men are very intolerable, crushing, and hard to be appeased; but an envious desire of revenge is still more dangerous, as it lies hid, increases daily, and is more and more exasperated, till it find opportunity to vent itself in the intended mischief. 5. To tell men plainly of their faults, and rebuke them freely when need requires, is a more valuable piece of friendship than the strongest inward affection. 6. Just and seasonable reproofs, however severe, ought to be cheerfully received when they proceed from true love and faithful regard: but the most tender and abundant expressions of kindness from an enemy ought to be suspected as false and treacherous. 7. Rich men are apt to be unsatisfied with, or even to nauseate, the most delicious enjoyments: but poverty disposes men to a ready and thankful reception of the smallest blessings, though mixed with care and labour. 8. When men, by levity or discontent, change their country, trade, or office in which Providence had placed them, they ordinarily expose themselves to manifold dangers and inconveniences, but rarely mend their condition. 9. The kind conversation and prudent counsels of affectionate friends are extremely refreshing and comfortable. 10. Nay, such friends are more to be depended on in a time of distress than our nearest relations. 11. My son, improve these instructions to make thee truly wise and good; which will at once comfort my heart, and enable me to refute such as charge me with want of due care about my children. 12. Prudent men foresee the approach of calamities, and take proper methods to avoid them; but inconsiderate persons, deceived by others, securely rush forward till they are ruined. 13. Never trust, without a sufficient pledge, a man that is so foolish and rash as to be surety for persons whom he knows not, and even for harlots. 14. Extravagant and flattering commendations of a friend or benefactor are rather a disparagement than an honour, as it is a shame to have connection with such silly sycophants. 15. A contentious and brawling woman is a continued plague and a destructive ruin to her husband, family, and estate: 16. For it is quite impossible to conceal her infamous bawling humour, or to make her hold her tongue. 17. By mutual conversation friends quicken the wit, enliven the affection, strengthen the judgment, and animate the activity of one another. 18. Such servants as faithfully defend their master's person and reputation, and labour to preserve and promote his wealth, ought to be rewarded by him, and shall be honoured of God and men. 19. There is a surprising likeness in the tempers and dispositions of men, both among saints and sinners; and most are inclined to carry themselves towards others as they do towards them. And they who are remarkably sagacious can penetrate far into the inclinations and designs of others. 20. It is impossible to satisfy the corrupt desires of men: the more they are indulged the more they crave: and nothing but the fulness of God can satisfy the desires of an immortal soul. 21. Nothing more effectually tries a man than high commendations. If he be light, vain, frothy, and easily puffed up by them, it discovers his emptiness: but if under them he be humble, modest, and sensible of his own defects, it manifests him truly valuable. 22. Some are so hardened and stupified in their sinful courses, that no reproofs or corrections can make them a whit better. 23-27. Masters should look after the management of their worldly affairs themselves, and not leave all to servants; for without due care and diligence, the richest estates will soon come to nought: whereas by a proper care of the hay, grass, herbs, and flocks which Providence bestows, they may enjoy a most comfortable livelihood for themselves and families.

Ver. 16. Eastern women may be literally called hidden, whether in the tent in the desert, or the harem in the city. But the unsanctified contentious woman, who has not received of the Lord that ornament of a 'meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price,' 1 Pe. 3.4, can no more have her folly hid than the wind can be restrained from blowing, or ointment on the hand from betraying its presence by its odour. C.

Ver. 22. The pestle and mortar were used for separating grain from the husk long subsequent to the introduction of mills; and in some European countries are still used for the formation of a substitute for what, in Britain, is called 'pearl-barley.' The image admirably illustrates the inseparability of folly from a fool. C.