Proverbs 25:2. To conceal a thing— That is, according to Grotius, His purposes and nature; whereas it is the honour of a king to examine into and make himself acquainted with the state, actions, and designs of his subjects. Houbigant renders it, he who conceals a thing honours God; he who honours the king will search it out; but he does not attempt to give any explanation. read more
2. God's unsearchableness impresses us with awe (compare Isaiah 45:15; Romans 11:33). But kings, being finite, should confer with wise counsellors; read more
V. COLLECTION 5: SOLOMON’S MAXIMS EXPRESSING WISDOM CHS. 25-29We return now to consider more proverbs of Solomon (cf. Proverbs 1:1 to Proverbs 22:16). Chapters 25-26 contain proverbs that are mainly comparisons. The key words in these chapters are "like . . . so." Chapter 27 is a mixture of comparative and antithetical proverbs. Chapters 28-29 contain maxims that are mainly contrasts marked by the word "but." In all these chapters there are mostly couplets but also some longer proverbs. I... read more
The fact that God has chosen not to reveal everything human beings want to know has resulted in our holding Him in awe and glorifying Him (cf. Deuteronomy 29:29). However, a king’s subjects hold him in awe and glorify him when he diligently investigates a matter, and does not make his decisions on the basis of superficial understanding. read more
B. Instructive Analogies 25:2-27:22The emphasis in this section continues to be on wisdom and folly and their accompanying virtues and vices. read more
1. Wise and foolish conduct 25:2-28 read more
Courts. Quarrels1-7. relate to kings and courts.1. By the men of Hezekiah the author of this v. doubtless means literary men at the king’s court. These, he says, transcribed the following proverbs from some other collection or collections. It will be noticed that many of them have appeared earlier in the book.2. The works of God in history and nature are beyond us (Deuteronomy 29:29; Job 11:7; Job 15:8; Isaiah 45:15; Romans 11:33). A king should be conversant with all that is going on (1 Kings... read more
(2) It is the glory of God to conceal a thing.—For the more we search into the mysteries of nature or revelation, the more do we discover depths of which we had no idea before. God has so ordered things that man may not presume to measure himself with his Maker, but may recognise his own insignificance. (Comp. Romans 11:33, ff.)But the honour of kings is to search out a matter.—To see their way through political difficulties, and to unmask crime and fraud. read more
CHAPTER 26THE KING"It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter. The heaven for height and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable. Take away the dross from the silver, and there cometh forth a vessel for the finer; Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness. Put not thyself forward in the presence of the king, and stand not in the presence of great men: Far better is it that... read more
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Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 25:2
"It is the glory of God to conceal a thing; But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable. Take away the dross from the silver, And there cometh forth a vessel for the refiner. Take away the wicked from before the king, And his throne shall be established in righteousness.""The glory of kings is to search out a matter" (Proverbs 25:2). "This is not a reference to academic or scientific research, but,... read more