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Joseph Exell

The Biblical Illustrator - Proverbs 26:8

Proverbs 26:8As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.Throwing a stone at an idolThe words should be translated, as Colonel Condor was the first to point out: “As he that throweth a stone at an idol, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.” The comparison refers to the universal custom, in ancient times, among Pagan nations of throwing a stone at an idolatrous shrine, not in execration of it, like the stones thrown to this day by the Jews at Absalom’s pillar... read more

Joseph Exell

The Biblical Illustrator - Proverbs 26:11

Proverbs 26:11As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.The accustomed course resumedDost thou ever raise thy little dam across the streamlet, and think to dry the bed below? Hast thou accomplished thy work, and stood watching awhile thy success? Hast thou seen the water above deepen and widen, and gather strength, and at length, impatient of restraint, push through thy yielding barrier, and resume its accustomed course? But couldst thou have turned the stream into... read more

Joseph Exell

The Biblical Illustrator - Proverbs 26:12

Proverbs 26:12Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit?there is more hope of a fool than of him The folly of self-conceitThe Scriptures are full of denunciations against the self-sufficiency of man. The writings of Solomon are conspicuous for expressions which stigmatise the absurdity and the guilt of a self-willed, self-sufficient spirit. Here he says that when a man is wise in his own conceit, there is so little hope of his reformation that even a fool would be a more promising subject for... read more

Joseph Exell

The Biblical Illustrator - Proverbs 26:13

Proverbs 26:13The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.A lion in the way The reprehensible sloth of the coward does not appear in what he says, but in what he leaves unsaid. He means, but is ashamed to say, “Because there is a lion in the way, I will shirk my duty.” The brave man says, Though a lion is in the way, I will slay it; anyway I will fight with it and wound it.”I. “There is a lion in the way.” In what way? In the way of life--of every life. Life, if... read more

Joseph Exell

The Biblical Illustrator - Proverbs 26:17-22

Proverbs 26:17-22He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife.Mischievous citizensI. The meddler (Proverbs 26:17).1. His conduct defined.2. His mischief indicated. Renders himself liable to the anger of one, if not both, of the contending parties.II. The liar (Proverbs 26:18-19).1. By his false representations he involves his neighbour in some embarrassment, contention, or pain, and then excuses himself by saying, “It is in sport.” A lie is no less a lie because spoken in the spirit of frolic... read more

Joseph Exell

The Biblical Illustrator - Proverbs 26:23

Proverbs 26:23Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross. Putrefaction phosphorescentThe illuminating power of phosphorus appears due to an extremely slow chemical reaction, and it is affirmed that vegetable and animal substances may grow phosphorescent at a certain stage of decomposition, or even without any appearance of putrefaction. Accredited authorities cite a host of examples of fresh or stale meats which have been seen to shine during the night with a... read more

Joseph Exell

The Biblical Illustrator - Proverbs 26:24-27

Proverbs 26:24-27He that hateth dissembleth with his lips.Clandestine hatredI. It is often greatly disguised. “Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.II. It is excessively corrupt. “When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.” The word number “seven,” in Scripture, denotes “fulness” or “completeness.” The idea here is, that such a man’s heart is full of abominations.III. It is liable to exposure. “Whose hatred is... read more

Joseph Exell

The Biblical Illustrator - Proverbs 26:28

Proverbs 26:28A flattering mouth worketh ruin.How may we best cure the love of being flatteredI. What flattery is. Solomon calls it “a mouth that flatters.” All that comes from the flatterer is complaisant, only heartiness and sincerity are wanting. All that appears is “a fair semblance,” but very falsehood. The actor in this tragedy never forgets himself and his own advantage, stripping the novice he hath coaxed, and living on him whom he deceived. There are two kinds of flattery: a... read more

John Trapp

John Trapp Complete Commentary - Proverbs 26:1

Pro 26:1 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool. Ver. 1. So honour is not seemly for a fool. ] Honour is the reward of virtue; dignity should wait upon desert. Sed dignitas in indigno est ornamentum in luto, as Salvian. Honour is as fit for a fool as a gold ring for a swine’s snout. Sedes prima et vita ima, will never suit. The order of nature is inverted when the vilest men are exalted; Psa 12:8 it is a foul incongruity, and of very evil consequence.... read more

John Trapp

John Trapp Complete Commentary - Proverbs 26:2

Pro 26:2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come. Ver. 2. As the bird by wandering, and the swallow, ] i.e., As these may fly where they will, and nobody cares, or is the worse; so here. And as birds tired with much wandering, and not finding where to rest, return again to their nest, after that they have beat the air with weary wing; so the causeless curse returns to the author. Cursing men are cursed men. So the curse causeless shall not... read more

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