There is that speaketh - Instead of בוטה boteh , blabbing out, blustering, several MSS. have בוטח boteach , Trusting: and instead of כמדקרות kemadkeroth , As the piercings, seven MSS., with the Complutensian Polyglot, have במדקרות bemadkeroth , In the piercings. "There is that trusteth in the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health." But I suppose the former to be the true reading. read more
A lying tongue is but for a moment - Truth stands for ever; because its foundation is indestructible: but falsehood may soon be detected; and, though it gain credit for a while, it had that credit because it was supposed to be truth. read more
Virtues and vices in civil life I. SOME VICES OF SOCIETY . 1 . Envious greed. ( Proverbs 12:12 .) The wicked desires the "takings" of the evil. It is a general description of greedy strife and competition, one man trying to forestall another in the bargain, or to profit at the expense of his loss; a mutually destructive process, a grinding of egoistic passions against one another, so that there can be no mutual confidence nor peace ( Isaiah 48:22 ; Isaiah 57:21 ). The... read more
A fool's wrath is presently ("in the day," αὐθημερόν ) known. A foolish man, if he is vexed, insulted, or slighted, has no idea of controlling himself or checking the expression of his aroused feelings; he at once, in the same day on which he has been incensed, makes his vexation known. A prudent man covereth— concealeth— shame ; takes no notice of an affront at the moment, knowing that by resenting it he will only make matters worse, and that it is best to let passions cool before... read more
(See homily on Proverbs 29:11 .)—C. read more
He that speaketh —breatheth out fearlessly ( Proverbs 6:19 )— truth showeth forth righteousness. The truth always conduces to justice and right, not only in a matter of law, but generally and in all cases. Vulgate, "He who speaks that which he knows is a discoverer of justice;" Septuagint, "A just man announces well proved assurance [or, 'the open truth'] ( ἐπιδεικνυμένην πίστιν )." A false witness showeth forth deceit ( Proverbs 14:5 , Proverbs 14:25 ); exhibits his true... read more
Truth and righteousness We have here a suggestion of the close connection between truth and righteousness. This connection is based on a reciprocal relation. Truthfulness is a trait of righteousness, and righteousness is advanced by truthfulness. I. TRUTHFULNESS IS A TRAIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS . The truth here referred to is that which is most often mentioned in the Bible, viz. subjective truth, the agreement between our convictions and our utterances. We cannot attain to perfect... read more
There is that speaketh. The word implies speaking thoughtlessly, rashly; hence we may render, "a babbler," "prater." Such a one inflicts wounds with his senseless tattle. Like the piercings of a sword. The point of the simile is seen when we remember that the edge of the sword is called its "mouth" in the Hebrew ( Genesis 34:26 ; Exodus 17:13 , etc.; comp. Psalms 59:7 ; Psalms 64:3 ). The Greek gnome says— ἀλλ οὐδὲν ἕρπει ψεῦδος εἰς γῆρας χρόνου "A sword the body... read more
The lip of truth shall be established forever. Truth is consistent, invincible, enduring; and the fact belongs not only to Divine truth ( Psalms 117:2 ; Matthew 24:35 ), but to human, in its measure. Septuagint, "True lips establish testimony," pointing the last word ad as ed . Is but for a moment; literally, while I wink the eye ( Jeremiah 49:19 ; Jeremiah 50:44 ). Lying never answers in the end; it is soon found out and punished ( Proverbs 19:9 ; Psalms 52:5 ).... read more
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 12:16
A fool's wrath is presently known - We have a proverb very like this, and it will serve for illustration: - A fool's bolt is soon shot. A weak-minded man has no self-government; he is easily angered, and generally speaks whatever comes first to his mind. read more