Proverbs 17
DOYLYProverbs 17:2
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A wise servant shall have rule &c.] Probity and prudence are so much better than mere riches and noble birth, that a wise and faithful servant sometimes arrives at the honour of being appointed the governor of a son, whose folly and wickedness make him a discredit to his family. Bp. Patrick.
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A fool hath no delight &c.] A fool will never take pleasure in true understanding, but all the design of his studies is to make a vain ostentation of wisdom unto others. Bp. Patrick.
Proverbs 17:3
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A gift is as a precious stone &c.] Secret gifts are wont to win favour to those who bring them; and, if they fall into the hands of corrupt judges, they have power to draw them on either side, and to sway any cause whatever. Bp. Hall.
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When the wicked cometh,] Wheresoever the wicked Before CHRIST about 1000. m Chap. 15. 13. & 17. 25. medicine. n Eccles. 2. 14. & 8. 1. o Chap. 10. 1. & 15. 20. & 19. 13. p Jam. 1. 19. spirit. q Job 13. 5.
Proverbs 17:9
- He that covereth a transgression seeketh love.] He that concealeth within himself an offence done to him by his friend, takes a course to maintain friendship and love. Bp. Hall.
M 2 Moral virtues, and their contrary vices. Before CHRIST about 1000. g Nom. 12. 17.
Proverbs 17:11
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An evil man seeketh only &c.] An evil man is so refractory, that he has shaken off all reverence to God or to his governors, and is so wholly bent on mischief, that he cannot be reclaimed; therefore a severe execution shall be done upon him, to cut him off in his folly without mercy. Bp. Patrick.
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— a bear robbed of her whelps. The female bear is eminent for intense affection to her young, and dreadfully furious when deprived of them, as many writers have observed. Parkhurst.
Proverbs 17:14
- The beginning of strife &c.] This observation is no less true than the image is lively: while passion is kept within its proper channel, all is safe and well; but if once we suffer the banks, that should dam it, to be broken down, it roars and rages like a mighty torrent, and overspreads and carries all before it. Dean Stanhope.
Proverbs 17:16
- Wherefore is there a price &c.] A wealthy fool doth in vain hope by means of his riches to purchase wisdom, since he has not a heart that is capable of it. Bp. Hall.
Proverbs 17:17
- — a brother is born for adversity.] To give help in the season of adversity. Dr. Wells.
Proverbs 17:18
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— striketh hands, &c.] See notes at chap. vi. 1.
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— he that exalteth his gate. This seems to be a figurative expression for a haughty carriage in general. Dr. Durell.
Proverbs 17:22
- — a broken spirit drieth the bones.] Preys upon the strength, and eats out the vigour of the constitution. Bp. Horne.
Proverbs 17:23
- — taketh a gift out of the bosom] The Hebrews used to carry in their bosom their purse, money, and all
Proverbs 17:24
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— the eyes of a fool &c.] The eyes of a fool are constantly wandering every where, and his thoughts fix on nothing that may avail to his good. Bp. Hall.
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— princes. Or, “honourable men.” Schultens.
Proverbs 17:27
- — is of an excellent spirit.] In the margin, “of a cool spirit.” A man of understanding is of a well tempered spirit, not too forward in putting himself forth. Bp. Hall.
Chap. XVIII. ver. 1. Through desire a man, &c.] He that in a fervent desire of knowledge has set himself apart to its continual study, labours to inform himself in all parts of wisdom, so that he may not be a stranger to any kind of learning. Bp. Hall.
“Having separated himself."—A total separation from society and its pleasures, for the pursuit of wisdom, cannot be the meaning of the text, because that is contrary to the main tenour of the book of Proverbs; and besides, it is obvious that every one man’s sense, however excellent, unless it mixes in society with that of others, always degenerates into singularity and caprice. Seed.