Proverbs 27:19. As in water, &c.— Dr. Grey says, this should be rendered, As the water showeth the face to the face, so doth the heart the man to the man. The meaning is, that a man may know what character he deserves, as well by looking into his own heart, as he can tell what sort of a face he has by looking upon the water. Houbigant renders it, As faces are like faces, so the heart of one man to another. read more
19. We may see our characters in the developed tempers of others. read more
3. Virtues and vices 27:1-22Many of the analogies in this pericope deal with virtues and vices that are characteristic of the wise and the foolish. read more
B. Instructive Analogies 25:2-27:22The emphasis in this section continues to be on wisdom and folly and their accompanying virtues and vices. read more
If you want to see what your face looks like, look in a placid pool of water. If you want to see what a man is really like, look in his heart. That is, find out what he loves and values and you will know what kind of person he is. One’s thoughts reflect his or her true character. Jesus taught that what a person says reveals what is in his or her heart (Matthew 12:34). read more
Sundry Observations. Agriculture4. Envy] a husband’s jealousy is meant (Song of Solomon 8:6). 5, 6. Men ’hide’ (RV) love when they refrain from telling a friend his faults. An enemy will be ’profuse’ (RV) in deceitful kisses: Judas kissed Jesus much (Matthew 26:49; RM). 7. The Spartan king told the tyrant Dionysius that the broth was nothing without the seasoning of fatigue and hunger. 8. ’East, West, hame’s best.’9. Sweetness of disposition is desirable when it arises, not from mere emotion,... read more
(19) So the heart of man (answereth) to man.—What is in our own hearts we find in others also. Whatever are the distinguishing features of our own characters we discover and elicit the same in others. The merciful, the generous, the devout, the pure, recognise the same qualities in others, and themselves feel and receive sympathy from such persons. So the evil, too, find themselves in harmony with those of like disposition. read more
A Threefold Cord (for the First Sunday of the Year) Proverbs 27:1 This is not a commonplace. Nothing in God's Word is commonplace. Nothing inspired by the Holy Ghost could be commonplace. If you think it is a commonplace sentiment, I can tell you are commonplace. It is the deepest and truest philosophy of life. 'Thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.' And it is the very best philosophy by which to stimulate us Christians for the beginning of the new year. First of all, there is the... read more
CHAPTER 28LIVING DAY BY DAY"Boast not thyself of to-morrow, for thou knowest not what a day will bring forth."- Proverbs 27:1"The grave and destruction are never satisfied; and the eyes of men are never satisfied"; and LXX adds, "An abomination to the Lord is he who sets his eye, and undisciplined men uncontrolled in tongue."- Proverbs 27:20"Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof, so he that waits on his Lord eats of the honor."- Proverbs 27:18HERE is a wholesome lesson for us.... read more
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Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 27:19
"As in water face answereth face, So the heart of man to man."This is a wonderful axiom indeed. Still water serves as a mirror for one looking into it, reflecting one's very likeness. The same thing is true in human relationships.A grouchy, evil-spirited person evokes the same attitude in everyone he confronts; and the same is true of a happy and cheerful person. read more