Proverbs 12
DOYLYChap. XIII. ver. 2. A man shall eat good &c.] He that speaks well of others, and gives them faithful counsels, shall reap the benefit thereof himself; and they that perfidiously calumniate or deceive others, shall suffer themselves the injury which they design to do their neighbours. Bp. Patrick.
Proverbs 12:19
- — a lying tongue is but for a moment.] A liar is soon detected, being apt to contradict himself, and to blast his reputation for ever. Bp. Patrick.
Proverbs 12:23
- A prudent man &c.] A prudent man will not display his knowledge, except on proper occasions; but a fool on all occasions betrays his ignorance and folly. Bp. Patrick, Dr. Durell.
Proverbs 12:25
- — a good word maketh it glad.] The kind and encouraging discourses of a friend raise it and make it glad. Bp. Patrick.
Proverbs 12:27
- The slothful man &c.] The slothful man for want of exertion loses even the fruit of his former labours; but the diligent man sets a just value on it, and converts it to its proper use.
Proverbs 12:28
- In the way of righteousness is life; &c.] This is, as it were, the sum and substance of the chapter, and a proper conclusion of all that we have been taught in the foregoing maxims of Divine philosophy; namely, that religion and a holy conversation are the only sure and infallible way to happiness. So excellent, and so far beyond every other scheme, is this “way of righteousness,” that not one of all the actions and pursuits in which it engages us shall ever end in misery and disappointment. “In the pathway thereof there is no death;” but, saith the Gospel, seconding the royal moralist, “All things work together for good to them that love God,” Rom. viii. 28. Wogan.