Proverbs 27

4 envy. Rather, “jealousy”: cp. vi. 34, 35.

5 secret love. Which never shows itself in faithful words (even of rebuke) or helpful acts: “love that is hidden,” R.V.

6 deceitful. Or, “profuse” (R.V.); i.e., in order to deceive: see 2 Sam. xx. 9, 10; Matt. xxvi. 49. Luther’s translation is forcible: “das Küssen des Hassers (the kiss of an enemy) ist ein Gewäsche,” i.e., “nonsense” or “humbug.”

8 that wandereth from her nest. Unsettled and exposed.

13. And take a pledge of him, etc. Rather, “And hold him in pledge [i.e., as surety].

14. It shall be counted a curse to him. Loud and eager professions are regarded as insincere, and taken as a curse rather than a blessing. There may be a suggestion of the harm done to the person so praised: “When others speak of us above what is meet, we are apt to think of ourselves above what is meet” (M. Henry).

15. A continual dropping. See xix. 13.

16. Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind. Or, “He who restraineth her restraineth the wind, and his right hand cometh upon oil”: i.e., she is as subtle as wind, as slippery as oil.

20. Hell and destruction. “Sheol and Abaddon.” So R.V.

21. So is a man to his praise. Some render this, “So [let] a man [be] to the mouth that praiseth him”; i.e., let him carefully test all the praise that he receives, that he may not be misled by flattery.

22. Though thou shouldest bray (pound) a fool in a mortar, etc. A reference to the most searching and effective process known for separating the wheat from the chaff, or the fine flour from the husk. No amount of “grinding” will get rid of the ingrained folly.

23. Be thou diligent, etc. Vers. 23-27, which together form one ode of eleven lines, encourage careful attention to daily duties, having reference particularly to agricultural pursuits.

25. The hay appeareth, etc. Rather, “When the hay passes away (i.e., has been gathered in), and the aftergrowth appears.”

26 the price of the field. Perhaps to repay the price of the land already purchased, or to buy more.

27 for thy food, etc. Goat’s milk is a chief article of food in the East.