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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 26:24-26

There is cause to complain, not only of the want of sincerity in men's profession of friendship, and that they do not love so well as they pretend nor will serve their friends so much as they promise, but, which is much worse, of wicked designs in the profession of friendship, and the making of it subservient to the most malicious intentions. This is here spoken of as a common thing (Prov. 26:24): He that hates his neighbour, and is contriving to do him a mischief, yet dissembles with his... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 26:27

See here, 1. What pains men take to do mischief to others. As they put a force upon themselves by concealing their design with a profession of friendship, so they put themselves to a great deal of labour to bring it about; it is digging a pit, it is rolling a stone, hard work, and yet men will not stick at it to gratify their passion and revenge. 2. What preparation they hereby make of mischief to themselves. Their violent dealing will return upon their own heads; they shall themselves fall... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 26:28

There are two sorts of lies equally detestable:?1. A slandering lie, which avowedly hates those it is spoken of: A lying tongue hates those that are afflicted by it; it afflicts them by calumnies and reproaches because it hates them, and can thus smite them secretly where they are without defence; and it hates them because it has afflicted them and made them its enemies. The mischief of this is open and obvious; it afflicts, it hates, and owns it, and every body sees it. 2. A flattering lie,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 26:25

When he speaketh fair, believe him not ,.... Gives good words, flatters with his lips, pretends great kindness and favour, expresses himself in a very gracious and amiable manner, in order to gain attention and respect; or when he delivers himself in a submissive and suppliant way, with great humility and deference; or in a mournful and pitiful strain, as if he had the most tender affection and concern; be not too credulous; do not suffer yourselves to be imposed upon by him; be upon your... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 26:26

Whose hatred is covered by deceit ,.... The hatred of whose heart is covered by deceitful words, and strong expressions of love and esteem; so that those to whom they are made are deceived by them. Or, whose "hatred is covered in a waste or desert place" F14 במשאון "in desolatione", Montanus; "in solitudine", Baynus, Vatablus; "in vastatione", Tigurine version; "in vastitate", Mercerus, Piscator, so Ben Melech. ; it being not seen; as what is done in desert places is not obvious to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 26:27

Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein ,.... That devises mischief against others, it shall come upon himself. The allusion is to the digging of pits for catching wild beasts, which are slightly covered with earth; and which sometimes the pursuers, through inadvertency, fall into themselves; the passage seems to be taken from Psalm 7:15 ; and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him ; that rolls a stone up hill, if he does not take care, it will return back, and fall with great... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 26:28

A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it ,.... That is, a man of a lying tongue, that is given to lying, hates those that are hurt and crushed by his lies; the reason why he hurts them with his lies is because he hates them; and, having hurt them, he hates them, being made his enemies, and from whom he may expect and be in fear of revenge: moreover, he hates those that are troubled at and disturbed with his lies; or the "contrite" F16 דכיו "contritos suos", Montanus,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 26:25

When he speaketh fair - For there are such hypocrites and false friends in the world. Believe him not - Let all his professions go for nothing. For there are seven abominations in his heart - That is, he is full of abominations. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 26:27

Whoso diggeth a pit - See note on Psalm 7:15 . There is a Latin proverb like this: Malum consilium consultori pessimum, "A bad counsel, but worst to the giver." Harm watch; harm catch. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 26:28

A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it - He that injures another hates him in proportion to the injury he has done him; and, strange to tell, in proportion to the innocence of the oppressed. The debtor cannot bear the sight of his creditor; nor the knave, of him whom he has injured. read more

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