proverbs-25:1-13

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 25:4-5

Proverbs 25:4-5. Take away the dross from the silver, &c. When the dross is separated from the silver, and not before, it becomes so pliable, that the finer may cast or work it into what form he pleases; thus, take away the wicked from before the king Remove from his court and counsels those who, by their wicked advices and practices, provoke God’s displeasure against him, blast his reputation, and alienate the hearts of his subjects from him, and his throne shall be established in... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 25:6-7

Proverbs 25:6-7. Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king Hebrew, אל תתהדר , do not magnify, or glorify thyself, before the king; namely, by vaunting or vain-glorious speech, or behaviour; but, which is implied, conduct thyself in an humble and modest manner, which is most pleasing to kings, princes, and other superiors, and most becoming and safe for thee; and stand not in the place of great men Do not affect frequent and familiar society with greater persons than thyself;... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 25:8-10

Proverbs 25:8-10. Go not forth hastily to strive To contend with thy neighbour judicially or otherwise; especially take some time to consider both whether thy cause be good, and whether it be important, as also how to manage it, before thou bring an action at law against him; reflect on the certainty of the expense and the uncertainty of the success, and how much care and vexation it will occasion; lest thou know not what to do, &c. Lest, in the conclusion, thou wish the matter had... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 25:11

Proverbs 25:11. A word fitly spoken As to the matter, and season, and other circumstances of it; is like apples of gold in pictures of silver Which, it seems, were usual in those times, and were grateful to the eye for the beauty and variety both of the colours and figures, the golden apples appearing through the net-work of silver, or being engraven, or portrayed, upon tablets of silver. Some translate the clause, Golden apples in vessels of silver, and think that, by golden apples, ... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 25:12

Proverbs 25:12. As an ear-ring of gold, &c. That is, highly acceptable, and a great ornament, and not an offence and dishonour, as fools think it; is a wise reprover One who reproves an offender faithfully, and yet prudently, in the fittest manner and season; upon an obedient ear To the man that hearkens to the reproof, and is instructed and reformed by it. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 25:13

Proverbs 25:13. As the cold of snow, &c. Solomon does not here intend a fall of snow in the time of harvest, which must have been incommoding instead of being pleasurable and refreshing, as the proverb supposes what he speaks of to be; but liquors cooled with snow or ice, which they usually were in summer or harvest in the East, and which rendered them extremely grateful; so is a faithful messenger One that faithfully and diligently executes his commission, to the satisfaction of the... read more

Donald C. Fleming

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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 25:1

of Solomon = by Solomon, as author: i.e. written by him. Characterizing this section of the book. the men of Hezekiah. Evidently a special guild of scribes employed in the work of editing and putting together the O.T. books. At the end of each book are three Majuscular letters, Cheth (= H), Zayin ( = Z) , and Koph (= K), which are the initials of Hezekiah, and his sign-manual, confirming the work done. This tri-grammaton is found in all MSS. and printed editions up to the end of 2 Kings.... read more

E.W. Bullinger