9, 10. Debate thy cause… neighbour Reason with him plead with him. Discover not a secret Do not suffer any angry feeling against thy neighbour, growing out of a contest, to induce thee to take vengeance on him by causelessly revealing a secret to his injury. This would be dishonourable, and get thee a bad name. “Make no third person a party to difficulties that can be settled between thee and him.” Conant. Comp. Matthew 18:15. read more
11. A word fitly spoken The margin reads, “spoken upon his wheels.” Compare Proverbs 15:23. That is, as Clarke explains, comes in naturally, runs smoothly, appears to be without design, rises out of the conversation, etc. With this accord many of the older interpreters. But later expositors, as also some of the ancients, do not regard the word אפניו , ( ophnayv,) as derived from אופן , ( ophan,) a wheel, but from, אפן , ( ophen,) time, season, etc.; a word in season at the fitting... read more
12. As an earring The original means either an earring or a nose-ring. The Orientals are as fond of rings in their nostrils as our modern ladies of rings in their ears. An ornament of fine gold A necklace or collar “of fine gold.” An ear attentive to instruction is better than one ornamented with gold rings. read more
13. As the cold of snow Snow was used among the Asiatics as we use ice, for the purpose of cooling their drinks in summer. It was considered preferable to ice for this purpose. When packed away in masses and consolidated, it did not melt so readily as ice, and was thought to make a more refreshing drink. Hermon was always covered with snow, and furnished an abundant supply to the adjacent country. The trusty messenger or ambassador, who executes his commission to the satisfaction of these... read more
14. A false gift This is understood of one that boasts of an intended gift which he never bestows. Like clouds… without rain Clouds and wind sometimes give promise of rain that comes not. Coverdale translates according to the sense: “Whose maketh great boasts and giveth nothing.” Compare 2 Peter 2:17; Jude 1:12. For false gift here, the Geneva has “false liberalitie.” read more
15. By long forbearing By delay of anger or resentment; by patience. A soft tongue (a gentle or kind word) breaketh the bone Changes the most obstinate mind and allays the most irritated feeling. Similar to another proverb, “A soft answer turneth away wrath;” or the German proverb, “Patience breaks iron.” Compare Proverbs 15:1; Proverbs 16:14; Luke 18:45; Genesis 32:4, et seq.; 1 Samuel 25:24. read more
16. Hast… found honey Which in the East is frequently found in large quantities in the cavities of trees, rocks, and the like. So much That is, only so much as shall satisfy. The proverb inculcates temperance and moderation in the enjoyment of sensual pleasures. “Let your moderation be known unto all men.” Philippians 4:5. For examples of honey-finding, comp. Judges 14:8, et seq.; 1 Samuel 14:26. read more
17. Withdraw thy foot Rather, withhold: literally, make it rare or precious: let your visits be so rare that they will be valued. “There may be some connexion intended between this and the preceding. Though thy visits may be as sweet as honey, thy friend may learn to loathe them if too often repeated.” read more
18. A maul Or a war club. As these were offensive and injurious weapons, so a false witness is among the most pernicious of men. Compare Proverbs 6:19; Proverbs 12:17; Proverbs 19:5; Proverbs 19:9; Proverbs 21:28; Psalms 120:3-4. read more
Obtenga el versículo bíblico diario todos los días en su bandeja de entrada
Leer en el móvil
Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 25:8
8. Go not forth… to strive Do not begin controversies, nor contend at law. Know not what to do Or, lest thou do something in the end that is humiliating or vexatious. Some critics would read the passage, Lest it be said to thee, What wilt thou do? The teaching is: “It is dangerous to plunge into litigation;” and the experience of thousands of years, and ten thousands of men, confirm it. read more