21 July

Bible In 365 Days                                                                     

Proverbs 24-26

Proverbs 24

Warnings are uttered against envy, against the formation of evil companionships, against excess in passion, against all false exhilaration; and perperpetual attention to wisdom and earnest endeavor to help those in peril are urged.

The mind of wisdom is then described. It is a mind full of hope, free of enmity, filled with reverent fear. The counsels close with further teaching concerning the social order. Judgment must be just, and wickedness must not be condoned. In proverbial language, the importance of working before rest is indicated. The need for a house and its use must be justified by wisdom before it is built. True neighborliness consists in refusing to consent to wronging a neighbor, and also in being free of a vengeful spirit. A graphic description of the slothful's neglect of his field and vineyard serves as a warning against sloth.

Proverbs 25

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.

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.

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.

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

Proverbs 26

Proverbs 26:2. Therefore, if the heart knows that a curse is unjust it may rest in the certainty that it cannot harm.

Proverbs 26:3-12. In this group of proverbs the fool is the subject. The true method of dealing with him is that of chastisement. Caution is needed in answering him lest his folly be shared; and, on the other hand, lest he be not reproved. The fool is not to be trusted. A parable of a fool is useless. Give a fool honor, and it is to offer it where it is useless. The parable of a fool pierces himself. To hire a fool is to ensure the ruin of work. A fool is preeminently a fool because he relishes his folly. The greatest fool is the fool who does not know he is a fool.

Proverbs 26:13-16. Four proverbs dealing with the slothful. He is a coward. He is the slave of habit. He is incapable of supporting himself. He is preeminently conceited.

Proverbs 26:17-23. Here are proverbs describing the evil practices and pernicious effects of the meddlesome man.

Proverbs 26:24-28. These proverbs describe the method and punishment of the loveless.