heap, &c. = receive from thine enemy [and place] upon his head. Figure of speech Ellipsis (Relative), App-6 . As hatha = receive, the Ellipsis must be thus supplied: i.e. If thou doest good to one whose burning words (Proverbs 16:27 , Proverbs 26:23 ) thou hast received, they will burn him in another sense. Illustration: David (1 Samuel 24:16-22 ). read more
V. COLLECTION 5: SOLOMON’S MAXIMS EXPRESSING WISDOM CHS. 25-29We return now to consider more proverbs of Solomon (cf. Proverbs 1:1 to Proverbs 22:16). Chapters 25-26 contain proverbs that are mainly comparisons. The key words in these chapters are "like . . . so." Chapter 27 is a mixture of comparative and antithetical proverbs. Chapters 28-29 contain maxims that are mainly contrasts marked by the word "but." In all these chapters there are mostly couplets but also some longer proverbs. I... read more
B. Instructive Analogies 25:2-27:22The emphasis in this section continues to be on wisdom and folly and their accompanying virtues and vices. read more
1. Wise and foolish conduct 25:2-28 read more
Clearly the point of this proverb is to return good for evil (cf. Matthew 5:40-46; Romans 12:20). Such conduct will bring blessing from God and remorse to the evildoer. Still, what does "heaping burning coals on the head" of the abuser mean? Evidently this clause alludes to an ancient custom. When a person’s fire went out at home, he or she would go to a neighbor and get some live coals to rekindle the fire. Carrying the coals in a pan on the head involved some danger and discomfort for the... read more
Courts. Quarrels1-7. relate to kings and courts.1. By the men of Hezekiah the author of this v. doubtless means literary men at the king’s court. These, he says, transcribed the following proverbs from some other collection or collections. It will be noticed that many of them have appeared earlier in the book.2. The works of God in history and nature are beyond us (Deuteronomy 29:29; Job 11:7; Job 15:8; Isaiah 45:15; Romans 11:33). A king should be conversant with all that is going on (1 Kings... read more
(22) Thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.—Thou shalt make him burn with shame at the thought of the wrong he has done thee. Thus, to bring a sinner to repentance is well-pleasing to the Lord, who shall reward thee for it. This is better far than to indulge resentment, which must bring sorrow to oneself, punishment from God—whose prerogative of vengeance (Romans 12:19) has been usurped—and only serve to harden the offender in his hostility. read more
CHAPTER 26THE KING"It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter. The heaven for height and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable. Take away the dross from the silver, and there cometh forth a vessel for the finer; Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness. Put not thyself forward in the presence of the king, and stand not in the presence of great men: Far better is it that... read more
CHAPTER 25FORGIVING"Be not a witness against thy neighbor without cause, and deceive not with thy lips. Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me; I will render to the man according to his work,"- Proverbs 24:28-29"Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thy heart be glad when he is overthrown, lest the Lord see it and it displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him."- Proverbs 24:17-18."He that is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished."- Proverbs 17:5"If thine enemy... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 25:1-28
25:1-29:27 MORE PROVERBS OF SOLOMONRelations with others (25:1-28)God has no obligation to explain to anyone the reasons for his actions. A king, however, has a duty to his people to investigate the causes of events that affect them, though he need not reveal to them his deepest thoughts (25:1-3). Some advisers to the king may be ungodly or treacherous, and should be removed if the king is to rule righteously (4-5). It is better to wait to be invited to a higher rank than to be boastfully... read more