The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:22
(Comp. Proverbs 6:17 ; Proverbs 11:20 .) They that deal truly; Septuagint, ὁ δὲ ποιῶν πίστεις , "he who acts in good faith." read more
Proverbs 12:6-26
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:23
A prudent man concealeth knowledge ( Proverbs 12:16 ; Proverbs 10:14 ). He is not wont to utter unadvisedly what he knows, but waits for fitting opportunity, either from humility or wise caution. Of course, in some cases reticence is sinful. The LXX ; reading the passage differently, renders, "A prudent man is the seat of intelligence ( θρόνος αἰσθήσεως )." The heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness ( Proverbs 13:16 ; Proverbs 15:2 ). A foolish man cannot help exposing the... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:23
Concealing knowledge I. KNOWLEDGE MUST FIRST BE POSSESSED . We cannot hide what we do not hold. The idea of secreting knowledge suggests the owning a large amount of it, or at least of knowledge of some value. The tradesman who puts all his wares in the window is not the proprietor of a large stock. It cannot be a superficial mind which conceals much knowledge. Such an action suggests a granary of truth, a storehouse of ideas, a territory rich in minerals that lie far below the... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:23
Experimental truths: 1. Prudent reserve and foolish babbling I. PRUDENCE HAS REGARD TO TIME , PLACE , AND PERSONS ; FOLLY HAS NONE . II. PRUDENCE KNOWS THAT THERE IS A TIME FOR SILENCE ; THE FOOL WILL STILL BE TALKING . A quiet tongue shows a sound head. III. ANXIETY TO MAKE KNOWN OUR OPINIONS MAY BE BUT ANXIETY TO EXALT OURSELVES . Great talkers are great nuisances. The ambitious aim to shine cannot be... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:24
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule ( Proverbs 10:4 ). For "diligent" the Vulgate has fortium, "the strong and active;" Septuagint, ἐκλεκτῶν , "choice." Such men are sure to rise to the surface, and get the upper hand in a community, as the LXX . adds, "with facility," by a natural law. But the slothful (literally, slothfulness ) shall be under tribute; or, reduced to compulsory service, like the Gibeonites in Joshua's time, and the Canaanites under Solomon ( Joshua... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:24
2. The promotion of the diligent and the subjection of the slothful I. THE DILIGENT RISE IN LIFE . This is too obvious to need insisting upon. But often, when wonder is expressed at the rise of ordinary men, this solution may be recurred to. As a rule, it is not the greatest wits who fill the high places of the realm, but the greatest workers. II. HE ONLY IS FIT TO GOVERN WHO HAS BEEN WILLING TO SERVE . For in truth the spirit of the true servant and... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:24
(See homily on Proverbs 27:23 .)—C. read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:24-28
speak of the means of getting on in life. read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:25
Heaviness —care —in the heart of man maketh it stoop ( Proverbs 15:13 ; Proverbs 17:22 ). Care brings dejection and despair; hence the Christian is bidden to beware of excessive anxiety, and not to perplex himself with solicitude for the future ( Matthew 6:1-34 :84; 1 Peter 5:7 ). A good word maketh it glad. λύπην γὰρ εὔνους οἶδεν ἰᾶσθαι λόγος . "A word of kindness grief's keen smart can heal." Septuagint, "A word of terror disturbs the heart of a (righteous)... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:21
There shall no evil —mischief— happen to the just. The mischief ( aven ) intended is not misfortune, calamity, but the evil consequences that follow on ill-doing ( Proverbs 22:8 ); from these the righteous are saved. Our Lord goes further, and says ( Matthew 6:33 ), "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these (temporal) things shall be added unto you." Vulgate, "Nothing that happens can make a just man sorrowful;" for he knows it is all for the best, and... read more