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Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 26:7

Proverbs 26:7. The legs of the lame are not equal Hebrew, דליו , are lifted up, namely, in going, which is done with great inequality and uncomeliness; so is a parable in the mouth of fools No less absurd and indecent are wise and pious speeches from a foolish and ungodly man, whose actions grossly contradict them, whereby he makes them contemptible, and himself ridiculous. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 26:8

Proverbs 26:8. As he that bindeth a stone in a sling Whereby he hinders his own design of throwing the stone out of it; so is he, &c. No less absurd is he that giveth to a fool that honour which he is not capable of using aright. Bishop Patrick and Houbigant give a different interpretation of the verse, thus: “As a stone put into a sling stays not long there, so is that honour thrown away which is bestowed upon a fool.” Parkhurst, however, according to the translation in the margin,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 26:9

Proverbs 26:9. As a thorn, &c. “It is as dangerous for a fool to meddle with a proverb as for a drunkard to handle a thorn, wherewith he hurts himself: but the sharpest saying no more touches a fool with any compunction, though spoken by his own mouth, than the drunkard feels the thorn when it runs into his hand and gives him a grievous wound.” Bishop Patrick. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 26:10

Proverbs 26:10. The great God formed all things, &c. The Hebrew text of this verse will admit of different translations, as the reader may see by the margin, and commentators are much divided in their opinions of its meaning. The Hebrew word רב , rab, here rendered great, may be applied either to God or to a prince, and the proverb may be considered as declaring either how God the Creator and Governor of the universe will deal with sinners, or how kings and princes ought to act... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 26:13-16

Proverbs 26:13-16. The slothful man saith, &c. “In this and the following verses, three degrees of sloth are represented; the first, when a man is loath to stir out of doors about his business in the field, Proverbs 26:13; the second, when he is loath so much as to leave his bed, Proverbs 26:14; and the third and highest, when he will scarcely put his hand to his mouth, Proverbs 26:15. By which hyperbolical expression the wise man admirably sets forth the incredible laziness of some,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 26:17

Proverbs 26:17. He that passeth by Who is going on the way about his business; and meddleth with strife, &c. In which he is not concerned, nor any way obliged to meddle; is like one that taketh a dog by the ears Exposes himself to great and needless hazard, as a man that unnecessarily provoketh a mastiff dog against himself. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 26:18-19

Proverbs 26:18-19. As a madman Hebrew, כמתלהלה , as one that makes, or feigns himself mad, in order that, under that pretence, he may do mischief with impunity; casteth firebrands, arrows, and death Any instruments of death and destruction against his neighbour’s person, house, or goods; so is the man that deceiveth his neighbour That wrongs him under a false pretence of kindness and familiarity; and saith, Am I not in sport? And then asks his neighbour why he resents it so... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 26:20-22

Proverbs 26:20-22. Where no wood is, the fire goeth out: &c. As the fire will soon be extinguished if you take away the fuel that feeds it; so, where there is no tale-bearer To carry such reports from one to another as may provoke them to mutual anger, enmity, and contention; the strife ceaseth Animosity, hatred, and quarrels will die away. As coals to burning coals, &c. As dead coals laid on burning coals, and wood on fire, increase the heat and flame; so is a contentious... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 26:23

Proverbs 26:23. Burning lips Either, 1st, Lips pretending much love, that is, words delivered with a show of truth and fervent affection; or, rather, 2d, Burning with malice or hatred; that is, a slanderous or evil tongue; and a wicked heart From whence evil thoughts and malicious words proceed; are like a potsherd covered with silver dross Such a tongue and heart are of no real worth, although sometimes they make a show of it, as dross does of silver. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 26:24-26

Proverbs 26:24-26. He that hateth dissembleth with his lips Hebrew, ינכר , carries himself like another man, that is, pretends love and kindness; and layeth up deceit within him Means, by counterfeiting kindness, only the more easily and securely to deceive thee. When he speaketh fair Hebrew, יחנן קולו , uses gracious or supplicating language, gives thee the kindest words, and assures thee he is sincere; believe him not Give no credit to his flatteries and professions of esteem and... read more

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