Proverbs 17:26-28

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 17:26

In differences that happen between magistrates and subjects, and such differences often arise, 1. Let magistrates see to it that they never punish the just, that they be in no case a terror to good works, for that is to abuse their power and betray that great trust which is reposed in them. It is not good, that is, it is a very evil thing, and will end ill, whatever end they may aim at in it. When princes become tyrants and persecutors their thrones will be neither easy nor firm. 2. Let... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 17:27

Two ways a man may show himself to be a wise man:?1. By the good temper, the sweetness and the sedateness, of his mind: A man of understanding is of an excellent spirit, a precious spirit (so the word is); he is one that looks well to his spirit, that it be as it should be, and so keeps it in an even frame, easy to himself and pleasant to others. A gracious spirit is a precious spirit, and renders a man amiable and more excellent than his neighbour. He is of a cool spirit (so some read it),... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 17:26

Also to punish the just is not good ,.... It is evil, and an abomination to the Lord, Proverbs 17:15 . Evildoers indeed should be punished; but to punish the righteous also, as well as them, is far from being commendable; nor to strike princes for equity : to strike princes, judges, civil magistrates, for doing the duty of their place and office, for doing that which is just and equitable among men, is very criminal, who ought to be encouraged and supported therein. Or it may be... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 17:27

He that hath knowledge spareth his words ,.... Or, "he that knows knowledge" F3 יודע דעת "qui scit scientiam", Pagninus, Vatablus, Mercerus. ; one that is very knowing, has a fund of knowledge in him, "spareth his words"; is generally a man of few words, he thinks much and says little; and though he may be communicative of his knowledge to proper persons, and at proper times, yet never speaks of it in a boasting and ostentatious way: or, he "restrains his words" F4 חושך ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 17:28

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise ,.... Not only one that is sparing of his words, and is really a man of knowledge and understanding; but even a feel, if he is but silent, and does not betray his folly by his words, will be reckoned a wise man by those that do not know him; and, whatever fool he may be in other respects, yet in this he acts the wise part, that he holds his peace and says nothing; and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding ... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 17:26

Nor to strike princes for equity - To fall out with the ruler of the people, and to take off his head under pretense of his not being a just or equitable governor, is unjust. To kill a king on the ground of justice is a most dreadful omen to any land. Where was it ever done, that it promoted the public prosperity? No experiment of this kind has ever yet succeeded, howsoever worthless the king might be. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 17:28

Even a fool - He is counted wise as to that particular. He may know that he cannot speak well, and he has sense enough to keep from speaking. He is, as to that particular, a wise fool. A man may be golden-mouthed and silver-tongued in eloquence; but to know when and where to speak and to be silent, is better than diamonds. But who that thinks he can speak well can refrain from speaking? His tongue has no rest. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 17:21-28

Varied experiences of good and evil in life We may divide them into the sorrowful, the joyous, and the mixed experiences. I. SAD EXPERIENCES . The sorrow of thankless children . ( Proverbs 17:21 , Proverbs 17:25 .) To name it is enough for thereto who have known it. It has its analogue in Divine places. How pathetically does the Bible speak of the grief of God over the rebellious children he has nourished and brought up! and of Christ's lamentation as of a mother over... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 17:26

Also ( gam ). This may be intended to connect this verso with what was said above ( Proverbs 17:23 ) about the perversion of justice; or, as is more probable, it is used to emphasize what is coming, To punish the just is not good. Damnum inferre justo, Vulgate; ζημιοῦν , Septuagint; and the word has a special reference to punishment by fire. Nor to strike princes for equity; the expression, "is not good," being understood from the former clause. "Princes" are the noble in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 17:27

He that hath knowledge spareth his words; Revised Version, he that spareth his words hath knowledge ; he shows his common sense, not by rash talk or saying all he knows, but by restraining his tongue (comp. Proverbs 10:19 ; James 1:19 ). 'Pirke Aboth' ( Proverbs 1:18 ), "All my days I have grown up amongst the wise, and have not found aught good for a man but silence; not learning but doing is the groundwork, and whoso multiplies words occasions sin" Say the Greek gnomes— ... read more

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