The heart open to God I. THE HEART A PROFOUND MYSTERY . We speculate about the mysteries of the world without us, as if these were the great secrets, forgetful what an abyss of wonder is within. II. THIS MYSTERY MAY BE COMPARED TO THAT OF HADES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE DEVIL . 1 . It is equally profound. 2 . It is equally fascinating. 3 . It is equally hidden from our knowledge. Peruse our greatest masters of the human heart—a... read more
The certainty of God's notice First we have— I. THE DIFFICULTY SUGGESTED . It is not unnatural to ask—Does God in very deed take notice of such beings as we are? does he condescend to watch the workings of our mind? are the flitting thoughts that cross our brain, the fugitive feelings that pass through our weak human hearts, within the range of his observation? Is that worth his while? Are they not beyond the pale of his Divine regard? II. THE ARGUMENT FROM SECRECY .... read more
A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him ( Proverbs 9:8 ; Amos 5:10 ). For "scorner" the Vulgate has pestilens, and the Septuagint ἀπαίδευτος , "undisciplined." "Scorners" are spoken of elsewhere, as Proverbs 1:22 (where see note); they are conceited, arrogant persons, free-thinkers, indifferent to or sceptical of religion, and too self-opinionated to be open to advice or reproof. Neither will he go unto the wise, who would correct and teach him ( Proverbs 13:20 ).... read more
Sullen folly and cheerful wisdom I. DISLIKE OF CRITICISM . ( Proverbs 15:12 .) Often seen in those who are most critical themselves. The jiber is easily galled by a telling retort. The satirical man least loves satire upon himself. But one of the lessons we learn from truly great minds is that of willingness to turn a jest against one's self, and to find positive pleasure in a criticism of one's own character that hits the mark, provided it be good natured. But with ill nature no... read more
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance. The face is the index of the condition of the mind. "In the forehead and the eye The lecture of the mind doth lie." And, again, "A blithe heart makes a blooming visage" (comp. Ecclesiasticus 13:25, etc.). Septuagint, "When the heart is glad, the face bloometh ( θάλλει )." But by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken ( Proverbs 12:25 ). Happiness is shown in the outward look, but sorrow has a deeper and more abiding influence; it... read more
A joyous heart or a broken spirit These are the two extremes. The less we have of the one the more we tend towards the other. The first is encouraged that it may save us from the disasters of the second condition. I. THE CONDITION OF THE HEART IS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE . "Out of it are the issues of life" ( Proverbs 4:23 ). The first essential for one whose life has been wrong is the creation of "a clean heart" ( Psalms 51:10 ). According as we think and feel in our... read more
The source of satisfaction We learn— I. THAT THERE SOMETIMES RESTS A LONG AND DEEP SHADOW ON THE PATH OF HUMAN LIFE . 1 . Sometimes a long one. "All the days of the afflicted are evil." They are not a few who have to make up their minds for many months or years of separation or pain, or even for a lifelong trouble. They know that they will carry their burden to the grave. 2 . Sometimes a deep one. "By sorrow of heart the spirit is broken." The... read more
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge ( Proverbs 18:15 ). The wise man knows that he knows nothing, and is always seeking to learn more. σοφία γάρ ἐστι καὶ μαθεῖν ὂ μὴ νοεῖς "To learn what thou hast never thought is wisdom." The mouth of fools. Another reading, is "the face of fools;" but the former is more suitable to what follows. Feedeth on foolishness. So the Vulgate and Septuagint, "The mouth of the undisciplined knoweth evil." The fool is... read more
Proverbs 15:10-12. Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way God’s way, emphatically called the way here, as also Psalms 119:1, and elsewhere. He abhors reproof, because it is a reproach to him, and because it strikes at the sin which he loves. And he that hateth reproof shall die That is, shall be destroyed, both here and for ever; which is a more grievous thing than a harsh reproof. A scorner loveth not That is, hateth and avoideth; (more being understood than... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 15:11
Hell and destruction are before the Lord. The two words rendered "hell" and "destruction" are respectively Sheol and Abaddon, Infernus and Perditio, ἅιδης and ἀπώλεια (comp. Proverbs 27:20 ). The former is used generally as the place to which the souls of the dead are consigned—the receptacle of all departed spirits, whether good or bad. Abaddon is the lowest depth of hell, the "abyss" of Luke 8:31 ; Revelation 9:2 , etc.; 20:l, etc. The clause means that God's eye... read more