Verse 1

The character of these proverbs sustains the title (see on Introduction).

also — refers to the former part of the book.

copied out — literally, “transferred,” that is, from some other book to this; not given from memory.

Verse 2

God‘s unsearchableness impresses us with awe (compare Isaiah 45:15; Romans 11:33). But kings, being finite, should confer with wise counsellors;

Verse 3

Ye wisely keeping state secrets, which to common men are as inaccessible heights and depths.

Verse 4-5

As separating impurities from ore leaves pure silver, so taking from a king wicked counsellors leaves a wise and beneficent government.

Verse 5

before — or, “in presence of,” as courtiers stood about a king.

Verse 6-7

Do not intrude into the presence of the king, for the elevation of the humble is honorable, but the humbling of the proud disgraceful (Luke 14:8-10).

Verse 8

(Compare Proverbs 3:30).

lest  …  shame — lest you do what you ought not, when shamed by defeat, or “lest thou art shut out from doing any thing.”

Verse 9-10

(Compare Matthew 5:25, Margin).

secret — that is, of your opponent, for his disadvantage, and so you be disgraced, not having discussed your difficulties with him.

Verse 11

a word fitly — literally, “quickly,” as wheels roll, just in time. The comparison as apples … silver gives a like sense.

apples, etc. — either real apples of golden color, in a silver network basket, or imitations on silver embroidery.

Verse 12

Those who desire to know and do rightly, most highly esteem good counsel (Proverbs 9:9; Proverbs 15:31). The listening ear is better than one hung with gold.

Verse 13

Snow from mountains was used to cool drinks; so refreshing is a faithful messenger (Proverbs 13:17).

Verse 14

clouds — literally, “vapors” (Jeremiah 10:13), clouds only in appearance.

a false gift — promised, but not given.

Verse 15

Gentleness and kindness overcome the most powerful and obstinate.

long forbearing — or, “slowness to anger” (Proverbs 14:29; Proverbs 15:18).

Verse 16-17

A comparison, as a surfeit of honey produces physical disgust, so your company, however agreeable in moderation, may, if excessive, lead your friend to hate you.

Verse 18

A false witness is as destructive to reputation, as such weapons to the body (Proverbs 24:28).

beareth  …  witness — literally, “answereth questions,” as before a judge, against his neighbor.

Verse 19

Treachery annoys as well as deceives.

Verse 20

Not only is the incongruity of songs (that is, joyful) and sadness meant, but an accession of sadness, by want of sympathy, is implied.

Verse 21-22

(Compare Matthew 5:44; Romans 12:20). As metals are melted by heaping coals upon them, so is the heart softened by kindness.

Verse 23

Better, “As the north wind bringeth forth (Psalm 90:2) or produces rain, so does a concealed or slandering tongue produce anger.”

Verse 24

(Compare Proverbs 21:9, Proverbs 21:19).

Verse 25

(Compare Proverbs 25:13).

good news — that is, of some loved interest or absent friend, the more grateful as coming from afar.

Verse 26

From troubled fountains and corrupt springs no healthy water is to be had, so when the righteous are oppressed by the wicked, their power for good is lessened or destroyed.

Verse 27

Satiety surfeits (Proverbs 25:16); so men who are self-glorious find shame.

is not glory — “not” is supplied from the first clause, or “is grievous,” in which sense a similar word is used (Proverbs 27:2).

Verse 28

Such are exposed to the incursions of evil thoughts and successful temptations.