Proverbs 17

Chap. XVII. Ver. 1—28. Farther miscellaneous proverbs.— Having, in our Notes, explained the more difficult passages, we shall here notice only two or three striking figures.—Ver. 8. A gift is a precious stone, it is (or ought) always to be viewed with a degree of satisfaction; so the possessor of a well-cut diamond views it, and admires its brilliancy on every side, as it reflects the light. Man had reference to the bribes frequently presented to judges, and to which, often, the justice of the cause. Ver. 14 is beautifully explained, in allusion to the cutting open a dyke for the purpose of watering land, when it often rushes with such impetuosity as to carry away the cottages. Litigations; the wise man, therefore, advises to pause beforehand and, as Holden well expresses it, “meddled with, dismiss it.”

“Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?” Of rich men, who, instead of seeking wisdom, spend all their energies in folly and extravagance. Lastly, the character of friendship, in its perpetuity; “A friend loveth at all times;” and the proper characteristic of a brother is, that he was born a friend, and born for seasons of adversity. “A friend in need (says the English proverb) is a friend indeed.”

Notes on the verses

Chap. XVII. Ver. 1. Full of sacrifices.—Holden, “Sacrificial banquets,” meaning peace-offerings. See ch. vii. 14.

Ver. 10. A reproof entereth more into, &c.—In modern language, “affects more deeply.” So Boothroyd.

Ver. 19. Evalteth his gate. {In various parts of the East, they are obliged to have the doors of their houses very low, not more than three feet, to prevent the Arabs, who scarcely ever dismount, from riding into their courts and houses, and spoiling their goods. He then, who, through pride and ostentation, sought his own destruction.—Harmer.—Bagster.

Ver. 23. Out of the bosom,—That is, his bosom.

Ver. 23. Out of sight is before him.—Holden, “Is present to him.”

Ver. 24. Wis Nor to strike (or smite) princes (nobles, or judges) for equity.—

Ver. 26. For acting uprightly and independently.

Ver. 27. An excellent spirit. A cool spirit.” Compare with the verse.