Proverbs 27

Proverbs 27:2

Lips. All hate affectation and vanity, John v. 51.

Proverbs 27:3

Both. He is insupportable to himself and to others, Ecclesiasticus xxii. 17.

Proverbs 27:4

And who. Septuagint, “but envy (zeal) beareth nothing.” The more we yield to the envious, the more he is offended at our good behaviour.

Proverbs 27:5

Love. Which can be of no service to us, while reproof may cause us to amend.

Proverbs 27:6

Enemy. Joab slew Amasa, while he kissed him, 2 Kings xx. 9., and Matthew xxvi. 48. True friendship is not attentive to outward appearances.

Proverbs 27:8

Place, or vocation, like the prodigal son, Luke xv. The Israelites were much attached to their own country, where they might practise the true religion. (Calmet)

Proverbs 27:9

And. Septuagint add, " wine and incense….but accidents tear the soul." (Haydock)

Proverbs 27:10

Affliction. He will be less compassionate than a tried friend. — Better, &c. This daily experience evinces. “Those who purchase land, should consider if there be plenty of water, and a neighbour.” (Pliny, [Natural History?] xviii. 5.) — The Persians honour most those who live nearest to them. (Herodotus i. 134.)

Proverbs 27:11

Thou. Hebrew, Complutensian, and Sixtus V, “I may,” &c. Septuagint, “and cast reproaches from thee.”

Proverbs 27:14

In the night. Or “early in the morning,” de nocte, as the Hebrew implies. — Curseth. His importunity will be equally displeasing. (Haydock) — Flattery is dangerous, (Calmet) and unworthy of a free man. (Cicero, de Amic.)

Proverbs 27:16

Hand. As it will flow away, such as woman is commonly incorrigible. (Calmet)

Proverbs 27:17

Sharpeneth. Or instructeth. Fungar vice cotis. (Horace, Art.)

Proverbs 27:18

Glorified. He who serves his master well shall be promoted.

Proverbs 27:19

Are. Hebrew, “to men.” Our hearts have all something similar. (Calmet) — Septuagint, “as faces are not like each other, so neither are the hearts of men.” They have all come peculiarity. (Haydock) — But this agrees not with the original.

Proverbs 27:20

Destruction. Hebrew abaddo, or abadon, chap. xv. 11., and Apocalypse ix. 11. People die, and are plunged in hell daily. — Eyes. Avarice and ambition, Ecclesiasticus xiv. 9.

Proverbs 27:21

Praiseth. If he be not puffed up, or if all agree in his praises, we may conclude that they are well founded. — The, &c., is not in Hebrew, Complutensian, St. Jerome, or Chaldean, and destroys the connection.

Proverbs 27:22

Mortar. Such were used by those who could not afford handmills. (Calmet)

Proverbs 27:23

Flocks. John x. 3., and Ecclesiasticus vii. 24. This may be applied to pastors.

Proverbs 27:24

Generation. Thou wilt be cited as an example of prudence, if thou hast forseen the change of thy affairs, and provided for it. In the east it was not unusual to see a general of an army reduced to the meanest condition, and economy is necessary for all.

Proverbs 27:26

Field. If thou wishest to purchase, or to pay the workmen.

Proverbs 27:27

CHAPTER XXVII.

Milk. We cannot but admire such frugality. Septuagint are rather different; (Calmet) ver. 25., “Be careful of the grass of thy field….that thou mayst have lambs for thy clothing. Honour the field, that there may be lambs for thee. Son, thou hast from me solid instructions for thy life, and for that of thy servants.” (Haydock)