Proverbs 27

Chap. XXVII. Ver. 1—27. Cautions against resumption, self-conceit, &c.—The first maxim is a most excellent admonition against vain confidence, and is beautifully amplified by St. James, ((Proverbs 4:13-15).) who shows the folly of anticipating futurity. “Forsake not thy father’s friend,” is a maxim of such worth, that Solomon’s own son, Rehoboam, lost five sixths of his kingdom by neglecting it. ((1 Kings 12:6-14).) Friendship is abundantly a Christian, as well as a moral virtue: but why does Solomon advise, “Go not into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity?” obviously because a neighbour that is nigh at hand, is better to apply to than a distant relative. But there is a friendship much to be suspected.

When men make a great ado with the public profession of their attachment, there is much reason to question their sincerity; and to consider it rather as a curse than as a blessing. And “a contentious woman” is like an ostentatious friend: whosoever attempts to silence her, may as well hush the wind, or stop the spreading of perfume at he grasps within his hand. Yet many are the advantages of society; for “as iron sharpeneth iron,” (two knives, for instance, whetted against each other,) “so doth the countenance of a man his friend.” There are advantages in familiar and instructive conversation, even beyond the study of books themselves: it tends to sharpen the wits, and to brighten the countenance of both parties.

With this we are disposed to connect the 19th verse, which has been variously interpreted. Our translators render it, “As in water face (answereth) to face, so doth the heart of man to man.” Le Clerc, Durell, and many others, understand this of a man’s actions discovering his heart; but Boothroyd explains it thus; that “there are the same natural powers and affections in one man as in another; and the same depravity is alike found in the hearts of all.” This also accords with the remark of Bishop Patrick, that “a man may see himself while he looks at other men, as well as know other men by considering his own feelings.” Now it is by conversation and friendly communion with each other, that we find out that God hath fashioned our hearts alike, ((Psalms 33:13).) and that sin has alike depraved them. This chapter concludes with a strong recommendation to rear flocks, which, from the time of the patriarchs, formed the favourite occupation of the Hebrews. ((Genesis 16:3).)

Notes on the verses

Chap. XXVII. Ver. 14. Blesseth his friend.—(So the Italian proverb, “He who praises you more than he was wont to do, hath either deceived you, or is about to do it.” Extravagant public professions are always to be suspected.)—Bagster.

Ver. 15. Continual dropping.—[That is, a contentious wife is a source of incessant and unavoidable vexation, like the constant dropping through a decayed roof in a very rainy day.]—Bagster.

Ver. 17. Iron sharpeneth.—(As iron or steel will bring a knife to a better edge, when properly whetted, so one friend may excite another to reflect deeply, furnish coin [keen] hints, and invigorate and improve each other by mutual intercourse. So Horace: “But let me sharpen others, as the hone: Gives edge to razors, though itself has none.”)—Bagster.

Ver. 21. So is a man to his praise.—That is, “as the assay and the furnace test the precious metals, so is a man tried by the praises bestowed on him.” If he can bear them without injury, his character may be pronounced.

Ver. 22. Though thou shouldest bray (or pound) a fool in a mortar.—We learn from Knolls’ History of the Turks, that such a barbarous punishment has been employed among that cruel people; but we have no proof of its high antiquity, and much doubt its being here referred to.

Ver. 5. The hay.—Boothroyd, “The grass shooteth,” &c.

Ver. 27. Goats’ milk—is in some cases preferred to cows’ milk.—Orient. Cust.

Cause. XXVIII. Ver. 3. Which leaveth no food.—i.e. which sweeps away all the crops.

Ver. 7. He that is a companion of.—“He that feedeth” riotous men: Heb. Gluttons. Hodgson, “Parasites.”

Ver. 9. His prayer…. abomination.—See ch. xv. 8.; xxi. 27.

Ver. 12. A man is hidden.—Parkhurst and Boothroyd, “Stript;” Gesenius and Holden, “Concealed.”

Ver. 21. Piece of bread.—(Erasmus observes, that this expression probably originated from the circumstance of holding out a piece of bread to a dog, in order to soothe him.)—Bagster.

Ver. 27. He that hideth his eyes.—That is, from the distress, or the petition of the afflicted.