The Pulpit Commentary — Proverbs — Section 237

not only to Divine truth (Ps. oxvii. 2; Matt. proclaimeth foolishness (eh. xiii. 16; xv. 2). xxiv. 35), but to human, in its measure. A foolish man cannot help expo,ino- the Septuagint," True lips establish testimony," stupid ideas that arise in his mind, ,~hich pointing the last word ad as ed. Is but for he considers wisclom. Septuagint, "Tue a moment; literally, while I wink the eye heart of fools shall meet with curses." (Jer. xlix. 19: I. 44). Lying never aa~wers in the end; it is soon found out and Vera. 24-28 speak of the means or punished (oh. xix. 9; Ps. Iii. 5). Septua- getting on in life. gint, "But II hnsty (•rnxos; repentinus, Vul- Ver. 24.-The hand of the diligent shall gate) witness ho.tu nn unjust tongue." One bear rule ( eh. x. 4 ). For "diligent" the who gives his testimony without due con- Vulgate has jrn-tium, " the strong and sideration, or influenced by evil motives, active;" Septuagint, iKA<K-rw11, "choice." readily falls into lying and injustice. With Such men are sure to rise to the surface, the latter ha.If of the verse we may compare and get the upper hand in a community, the gnome- as the LXX. adds, "with facility," by a natural law. lint the slothful (literally, ' AAl\.' obo~11 ep1m 1/l•voos ••s -y;jpczs xpo11ov. slcthjulneas) shall be under tribute; or, "Unto old age no lie doth ever live." reduced to compulsOTy seTvice, like the "A lie has no legs," is II maxim of wide Gibeonites in Joshua's time, and the nationality: and "Truth may be blamed, Canaanites under Solomon (Josh. ix. 21, but shall ne'er be shamed." 23; 1 Kings ix. 21). So eh. xi. 29, '' Tue Ver. 20.-Deceit is in the heart of them fool shall be slave to the wise; " and au that imagine evil; i.e. that give evil advice; Israelite reduced to poverty might be made such are treacherous counsellors, and their 11 servant (Lev. x::xv. 39, 40). The LXX., advice can only work mischief, not joy and taking the word in another sense, translates, comfort (see on oh. iii. 29). But to the "The crafty shall be for plunder;" i.e. they oounsellors of peace (health and prosperity) who think to succeed by fraud and trickery is joy. They who give wholesome advice shall become the prey of those who are diffuse joy around. Vulga.te, "Joy attends stronger than themselves. them:" Reptuugint, "They shall be glad:" Ver. 25.-Reaviness-care-in the heart but the original signifies rather to cause of man me.ketb. it stoop (eh. xv. 13; xvii. joy than to feel it. 22). Care brings dejection and ,Jes pair; Ver. 21.-There shall no evil-mischief- hence the Christian is bidden to beware happen to the just. The mischief (aven) in- of excessive anxiety, and not to perplex tended is not misfortune, calamity, but the himself with solicitude for tho future (l\Iatt. evil consequences that follow on ill-doing vi. 34; 1 Pet. v. 7). A good word me.keth (eh. xxii. 8); from these the righteous are it glad. saved. _Our Lord goes further, and says A,nnw -yiip di11ovs 0Ili•11 la<TBa, >..&-yos. (Matt. vi. 33), "Seek ye first the kingdom "A word of kindness griefs keen smart can of God, and his righteousness; and all heal." these (temporal) things shall be added unto you." Vulgate, "Nothing that Septuagint, "A word of terror disturbs the happens can make e. just man sorrowful;" heart of 11 (righteous) mau, but a. good for he knows it is all for the best, and he message will gladden him." The " woru of looks toward another life, where e.11 seeming terror" may be an unjust censure, or evil anomalies will be cleared up. Septue.gint, tidings. Says II Servian proverb, "Give "The just man takes pleasure in naught me a comrado who will weep with me: one that is unjust." The wicked shall be filled who will la.ugh I cnn ensily fiud." with mischief; rather, with evil, moral and Ver. 26.-The righteous is more excellent pbysice.l (Ps. xxxii. 10). The Old Testament than his neighbour. 'fhis rendering has takes a general view of God's morn! govern- the authority of the Cho.ldec, and would ment without regarding special anomalies. signify tha.tl o. good mun is superior to Ver. 22.-(Comp. eh. vi. 17; xi. 20.) others morally and socially, is more re- They that deal truly; Septuagint, 6 61; spected and sta.nds higher, though his 1ro,w11 1rl<T-r .. s, "he who acts in good faith." w_orldly position be inferior. Ilut the clause Ver. 23.-A prudent man oonoealeth know- is better translnted, 2'he just man i8 a guide ledge (ver. 16; eh. x. 14). Ho is not wont to his neighbour, directs him in the right to utter unadvisedly what he knows, but way; as the Syrie.c puts it, "gives good waits for fitting opportunity, either from counsel to his friend." Septuagint, "The humility or wise caution. Of course, in righteous wise man (<1r1-yvC:,µwv) will be a. some ce.scs reticence is sinful. The LXX., friend to himself; " Vulgate, "He who re,1ding the passage differently, renders, rc)!ards not loss for a frieud's sake is "A prudent man is the se11t of intelligence righteous," which is liko Christ's word, (Bp6vos ai<TBl)<T•ws)." The heart of fools '' Greator love lmLh no w.iu th,rn tllis, that 238 'l'HE I'ROVERDS. [ell, XII, 1-28,