Proverbs 16:27-28

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 16:27-28

There are those that are not only vicious themselves, but spiteful and mischievous to others, and they are the worst of men; two sorts of such are here described:?1. Such as envy a man the honour of his good name, and do all they can to blast that by calumnies and misrepresentations: They dig up evil; they take a great deal of pains to find out something or other on which to ground a slander, or which may give some colour to it. If none appear above ground, rather than want it they will dig... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:27

An ungodly man diggeth up evil ,.... Or "a man of Belial" F16 איש בליעל "vir Belijahal", Montanus, Tigurine version, Mercerus. , a worthless unprofitable man; a man without a yoke, not obedient to the law of God; such a man digs for sin as for a treasure; nor need he go far for it, he has enough in his own heart, out of the evil treasure of which he brings forth evil things; though he is more solicitious and diligent to search into the sins of others, and dig up them, which have... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:28

A froward man soweth strife ,.... Or "a man of perversenesses" F17 איש תהפכות "vir perversitatum", Montanus, Baynus, Schultens; "vir perversitatibus deditus", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator. ; in whose heart is frowardness and perverseness; and whose mouth speaketh froward and perverse things, contrary to reason, law, and Gospel; and who has a spirit of contradiction, and is contrary to all men in his principles and practices; such a man sows discord and strife wherever he... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 16:27

An ungodly man diggeth up evil - How will the following suit? Effodiuntur opes irritamenta malorum "Wealth, the incitement to all evil, is digged up out the earth." A wicked man labors as much to bring about an evil purpose, as the quarryman does to dig up stones. In his lips - a burning fire - His words are as inflammable, in producing strife and contention among his neighbors, as fire is in igniting dry stubble. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:27

This and the three following verses are concerned with the case of the evil man. An ungodly man— a man of Belial— diggeth up evil. A man of Belial ( Proverbs 6:12 ) is a worthless, wicked person, what the French call a vaurien. Such a one digs a pit for others ( Proverbs 26:27 ; Psalms 7:15 ), devises mischief against his neighbour, plots against him by lying and slandering and overreaching. Wordsworth confines the evil to the man himself; he digs it as treasure in a mine, loves... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:27-30

Penal judgments on guilt I. GODLESS STRIVINGS . Life is full of success and failure. There are successes which cost the soul, and failures in which is contained the reaping of life eternal. The activity of the worthless man ( Proverbs 16:27 ). 1 . It is mischievous in spirit and in end. He is depicted as one who digs a grave for others ( Proverbs 26:27 ; Jeremiah 18:20 , sqq. ) . And his words are like fire that scorches, blasting reputation, withering the buds of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:28

A froward man soweth strife ( Proverbs 6:14 , Proverbs 6:19 ). The verb means, literally, "sends forth," which may signify "scatters as seed" or "hurls as a missile weapon." The character intended is the perverse man, who distorts the truth, gives a wrong impression, attributes evil motives; such a one occasions quarrels and heartburnings. And a whisperer separateth chief friends ( Proverbs 17:9 ). Nirgan is either "a chatterer," or "a whisperer," "calumniator." In Proverbs 18:8 ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 16:28

(See homily on Proverbs 17:9 .)—C. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 16:27-28

Proverbs 16:27-28. An ungodly man diggeth up evil Invents or designs mischief to others, and prosecutes his evil designs with great and constant industry; in his lips is as a burning coal As his thoughts, so also his words, are very vexatious and pernicious; his tongue is set on fire of hell, and sets himself and others on fire, by lies, slanders, and other provoking speeches. A froward man Or perverse, who perverteth his words and ways; soweth strife By speaking such things as may... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 16:1-33

Laying plans and making decisions (16:1-33)A person may make plans, but God is the one who determines their outcome. He knows the person’s unseen motives and controls events according to his purposes. It is important, therefore, always to bring God into one’s planning (16:1-4). God punishes the arrogant but has mercy on those who fear him (5-6). He protects them from harm and guides them on the right pathway (7-9).When a king’s wisdom comes from God, his decisions will be right. He will show no... read more

Group of Brands