Proverbs 25:1-28 - G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible

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Bible Comments

We now come to the second collection of the proverbs of Solomon. These, as the title specifically declares, constitute a posthumous collection gathered in the days of Hezekiah. Speaking generally, the proverbs in this collection are more picturesque than the former. For the most part, they are antithetical, and logical.

These are pictures, and are more perfectly parabolic. In passing over them we shall again note some of the more striking.

Verse Proverbs 25:11. The figure is intended to suggest the thought of proper and beautiful setting. Delicate filigree work in silver forms a beautiful setting for apples of gold in that it shows them up in relief, and makes their value patent. So also a word which answers the apple of gold as a supreme value is yet more forceful as it is fitly spoken, that is, artistically.

Verse Proverbs 25:20. The proverb indicates the impropriety of making merry in the presence of sorrow. It is wrong in method and serves to increase distress rather than to soothe it.

Verse Proverbs 25:27. Much honey produces nausea. So eventually does self-glorification.

Related Commentaries of Proverbs 25:1

Proverbs 25:1-28

1 These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.

3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.

4 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.

6 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:

7 For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.

8 Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secreta to another:

10 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

11 A word fitlyb spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

14 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.

15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

16 Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

17 Withdrawc thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.

18 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

20 As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

23 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

25 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.

27 It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.

28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.