Proverbs 27:19 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 27:19

This shows us that there is a way, 1. Of knowing ourselves. As the water is a looking-glass in which we may see our faces by reflection, so there are mirrors by which the heart of a man is discovered to a man, that is, to himself. Let a man examine his own conscience, his thoughts, affections, and intentions. Let him behold his natural face in the glass of the divine law (Jas. 1:23), and he may discern what kind of man he is and what is his true character, which it will be of great use to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 27:19

As in water face answereth to face ,.... As water is as a looking glass, in which a man may behold his own face and another's; or as the face in the water answers to the face of a man, and there is a great likeness between them. All things through water appear greater, as Seneca F13 Nat. Quaest. l. 1. c. 6. observes, and so more clear and plain; so the heart of man to man ; one man's heart may be seen and discerned in some measure by another, as by his countenance; for though, as... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 27:19

As in water face answereth to face - All men's hearts are pretty nearly alike; water is not more like to water, than one heart is to another. Or, as a man sees his face perfectly reflected by the water, when looking into it; so the wise and penetrating man sees generally what is in the heart of another by considering the general tenor of his words and actions. "Surely, if each man saw another's heart There would be no commerce; All would disperse, And live apart." Hebert. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 27:2-21

The praise of man How far we should go in praising others, and in what spirit we should accept their praise, is a matter of no small importance in the conduct of life. I. THE DUTY OF PRAISING OTHERS . "Let another man praise thee" can hardly be said to be imperative so far as he is concerned. But it suggests the propriety of another man speaking in words of commendation. And the duty of praising those who have done well is a much-forgotten and neglected virtue. I. It is the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 27:5-19

Four services of friendship (And see homily on "Friendship," Proverbs 13:20 .) We have suggested in the nineteenth verse two conditions of friendship: There can be no true friendship where one heart does not answer to another as the face reflected from a mirror answers to that which is before it. Men must be like minded in their principles and sympathies; and they must be sensitive enough to feel with one another and to give back the thoughts which are expressed by one or the other,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 27:17-22

Wisdom for self and for others I. THE BENEFIT OF INTELLIGENT SOCIETY . ( Proverbs 27:17 , Proverbs 27:19 .) 1 . The collision of mind with mind elicits truth , strikes out flashes of new perception . A man may grow wiser by an hour's discourse than by a day's meditation. "Speech is like embroidered cloth opened and put abroad," said the mistochs to the King of Persia. In the collision of minds the man brings his own thoughts to light, and whets his wits against a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 27:19

As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man; Vulgate, Quomodo in aquis resplendent vultus prospicientium, sic corda hominum manifesta sunt prudentibus . As in clear water the face of the gazer is reflected, so man finds in his fellow man the same feelings, sentiments, passions, which he has himself. He sees in others the likeness of himself; whatever he knows himself to be, he will see others presenting the same character. Self-knowledge, too, leads to insight into... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 27:19

Proverbs 27:19. As in water face answereth to face As the image of a man’s face in the water answers to his natural face who looks into it; or, as in water one man’s face is like another’s, the difference of men’s faces being not there visible; so one man resembles another not only in the regard of the corruption of nature, which is alike in all men, but also with respect to the tempers and dispositions of their minds, wherein likewise they frequently agree. Dr. Grey thinks the verse should... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 27:1-27

The valuable things of life (27:1-27)Over-confidence, self-praise, stupidity and jealousy must all be avoided (27:1-4). True friends will show the inner love they have for each other by being open and honest with each other. Over-pleasantness may be a sign of a deceitful heart (5-6). Those with many possessions do not find contentment; the poor are more than satisfied if they can get what the rich throw away (7). Among the most priceless of possessions are a happy home and faithful friends... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 27:19

man . . . man. Hebrew. 'adam. App-14 . read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 27:19

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 27:19

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 27:19

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 27:2-21

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 27:5-19

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 27:17-22

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 27:19

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 27:19

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 27:1-27

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 27:19

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