1 Observations about fools, 13 about sluggards, 17 and about contentious busybodies. Pro 26:1  Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool. This verse begins a series of proverbs concerning the fool. In Palestine, snow in summer would be most unnatural. Rain in…

1 Observations about kings, 8 and about avoiding causes of quarrels, and sundry causes thereof. Pro 25:1  These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:  These proverbs were evidently copied either from other writings or from collections or some, perhaps, from oral sources—people…

Pro 24:1  Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company; There is an excitement about the activities of those without scruples that has a strong attraction for young people who mistakenly think that goodness is dull (see Ps. 1:1; Prov. 4:14–19). Pro 24:2  for their hearts plot violence,…

Pro 23:1  When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you,  This is good advice to one unaccustomed to the rich supplies of a ruler’s table. Tempted to indulge his appetite, or thirst, a man might display gluttony or lose control of his tongue and…

1. Loving favour. Literally, “good favor [or grace].” A worthy name and good favor, both won by an upright life, are true riches (see Eccl. 7:1). Both may be lost by associating with those who lack a good name, even though we do not actually join them in their questionable…

1. The king’s heart. Because of the great influence their position gives them, kings can affect large numbers of people. To cause all things to work together for good it is often necessary for God to turn the hearts of kings toward paths they would not otherwise have followed. Thus…

1. Mocker. Heb. leṣ, translated “scorner” in ch. 19:29. This suggests that “wine,” the “mocker,” is here personified and that the statement does not assert that wine mocks men, but that men under the influence of wine and strong drink become scornful of right and religion. Strong drink. Fermented drinks…

1. His integrity. “Poor but honest” may have been derived from this proverb. A proverb closely parallel substitutes “rich” for “fool” (ch. 28:6). Some have felt that “rich” should be understood here too, in order to have an effective contrast, but this is not necessary to the sense (see ch….

1. Through desire. The verse reads literally, “One who is separated seeks for desire; he bursts out against all sound wisdom.” The meaning of the first clause is obscure. Perhaps the LXX has preserved the correct reading: “A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses; but at all…

1. Sacrifices. Only a part of the animal for a peace offering was burned. The rest, except for the portion for the priest, was eaten by the offerer, his family, and friends (see Lev. 7:11–18). Eating and drinking to excess naturally leads to strife, because the abuse of the stomach…