The first hemistich is a variation of Proverbs 10:1-32 . I (where see note). Keepeth company with; literally, feedeth , as Proverbs 28:7 . Harlots (see on Proverbs 6:26 ). Such vice leads to the wasting of substance ( Luke 15:13 ), and the great sorrow of the parent. Septuagint, "But he that pastureth ( ποιμαίνει ) harlots shall waste wealth." read more
Many of the proverbs in this chapter seem to suit the time of Jeroboam II . (see on Proverbs 28:3 ). The king by judgment establisheth the land. The king, the fountain of justice, by his equitable government brings his country into a healthy and settled condition. In the security of the throne the land and people participate. He that receiveth gifts overthroweth it. The expression, אִישׁ תְּרוּמוֹת ( ish terumoth ), "man of offerings," "man of gifts," is ambiguous: it may... read more
A man that flattereth his neighbour ; says only what is agreeable, applauds his words and actions indiscriminately, and makes him think too well of himself he is no true friend (see Proverbs 28:23 ). Spreadeth a net for his feet; his stops ( Proverbs 26:28 ; Job 18:8 , etc.). If a man listens to such flattering words, and is influenced by them, he works his own ruin; self-deceived, he knows not his real condition, and accordingly makes grievous disaster of his life. The LXX . gives... read more
(See homily on Proverbs 27:5 , Proverbs 27:6 .)—C. read more
In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare ( Proverbs 12:13 ). The snare is that the sinner is caught and held fast by his sin, and cannot escape, as he knows nothing of repentance, and has no will to cast off evil habits ( Proverbs 24:16 ). (For "snare," comp. Proverbs 18:7 ; Proverbs 20:25 ; Proverbs 22:25 .) Septuagint, "For a man sinning there lies a great snare." But the righteous doth sing and rejoice. The antithesis is not very obvious. It may mean that the good... read more
Considereth the cause; recognizes the claims, and, as the word din implies, supports them at the seat of judgment (comp. Job 29:12 , Job 29:16 ; Psalms 82:3 , etc.). Septuagint, "A righteous man knows how to judge for the poor." The wicked regardeth not to know it. This is a clumsy translation; it means, pays no attention so as to become fully acquainted with its details and bearings. But the words signify rather, as in the Revised Version margin, "understandeth not knowledge" ( ... read more
(See homily on Proverbs 19:17 .)—C. read more
Scornful men bring a airy into a snare. "Men of derision" ( Isaiah 28:14 ) are those who despise and scoff at all things great and high, whether sacred or profane (see on Proverbs 1:22 ). These are the persons who raise rebellion in a country and excite opposition to constituted authority. The rendering of יָפִיתיּ , "bring into a snare," as in the Authorized Version, is supported by some of the Jewish versions and commentaries; but the more correct rendering is "blow into a blaze,... read more
Scornful men The evil of a contemptuous treatment of life and duty is to be seen in many relations. Let us consider some of them. I. SCORN FOR THE PEOPLE . This was the temper of the old monarchical and aristocratic systems. The mischief of it was seen in the explosion of the French Revolution. The "dim multitude" cannot be treated as so much chaff of the threshing floor. The nation is the people. The first interest of the nation is the welfare of the great bulk of the... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 29:2
(See homily on Proverbs 11:10 )—C. read more