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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:3-12

Strength and fruitfulness Concerning the righteous man two things are here affirmed. I. IN HIM IS STRENGTH . "The root of the righteous shall never be moved." The strong wind comes and blows down the tree which has not struck its roots far into the foil; it tears it up by the roots and stretches it prone upon the ground. It has no strength to stand because its root is easily moved. The righteous man is a tree of another kind; his root shall never be moved; he will stand... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:4-11

Blessings and miseries of domestic life I. ELEMENTS OF HAPPINESS IN THE HOME . 1 . The virtuous wife. ( Proverbs 12:4 .) The word is literally "a woman of power, " and the idea of force lies in the word and the idea of virtue. Her moral force and influence makes itself felt in all the life of the household ( Proverbs 31:10 ; Ruth 3:11 ). She is her husband's "crown of rejoicing", his glory and pride. "A thousand decencies do daily flow From all her... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:4-12

Proverbs 12:4-12 contain proverbs concerning the management of a house and business. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:9

This verse may be translated, Better is a man who is lightly esteemed and hath a slave, than he that boasts himself and lacketh bread ; i.e. the man who is thought little of by his fellows, and is lowly in his own eyes, if he have a slave to minister to his wants (which all Orientals of even moderate wealth possess), is better off than one who boasts of his rank and family, and is all the while on the verge of starvation. "Respectful mediocrity is better than boastful poverty." ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:9

Consideration or comfort? It is worth remarking that we might obtain a very wholesome truth from the text, if we take the exact reverse of the proverb as worded in our version; for then we reach the wise conclusion— I. THAT SELF - RESPECT , HOWEVER INDIGENT , is better than "being ministered unto" at the cost of reputation. It is better to lack bread, or even life itself, really honoring ourself, than it is to receive any amount of service from others, if we have forfeited... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:10

A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast. For "regardeth," the Hebrew word is literally "knoweth" ( Exodus 23:9 ); he knows what animals want, what they can bear, and treats them accordingly (comp. Proverbs 27:23 ). The LXX . translates "pitieth." The care for the lower animals, and their kind treatment, are not the produce of modern sentiment and civilization. Mosaic legislation and various expressions in Scripture recognize the duty. God's mercies are over all his works; he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:10

Justice to animals I. ANIMALS HAVE RIGHTS WHICH MAY BE OUTRAGED BY INJUSTICE . We hear more of kindness to animals than of justice towards them. It seems to be assumed that they have no rights, and that all our consideration for them must spring from pure generosity, perhaps even from a superabundant condescension. The exercise of it is treated almost as a work of supererogation. These assumptions are based on an inordinate regard for our own supremacy. Man may consider... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 12:11

A contrast between industry and idleness, repeated at Proverbs 28:19 . He that tilleth his land. Agriculture was the first of industries, and always highly commended among the Jews, bringing a sure return to the diligent ( Proverbs 10:5 ; Proverbs 20:4 ; Proverbs 27:18 , Proverbs 27:23-27 ; and Ec Proverbs 20:28 ). He that followeth after vain persons; rather, vain things ; μάταια , Septuagint, empty, useless employments, profitless business, in contrast to active... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 12:9

Proverbs 12:9. He that is despised That lives in an obscure and mean condition in the world, such being commonly despised by persons of a higher rank; and hath a servant Hath but one servant: or, as the LXX. render it, δουλευων εαυτω , serveth, or is servant to himself; that is, hath none to wait upon him, or work for him but himself; that supports himself by his own labours; is better than he that honoureth himself Is happier, and in a better condition, than he that glories in his... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 12:10

Proverbs 12:10. A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast Which is employed in his service. He will not destroy it, either by labours beyond its strength, or by denying it necessary food or rest, or any other way: and much more will he be pitiful to his own servants, and to poor men; but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel There is much cruelty mixed even with their most merciful actions, when they pretend, or intend to show mercy. Hebrew, רחמי רשׁעים , the bowels of the... read more

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