22 July

Bible In 365 Days                                                     

Proverbs 27-29

Proverbs 27

Proverbs 27:5. This proverb takes for granted the need for rebuke, and by "love that is hidden" is meant "a love which fails to rebuke."

Proverbs 27:14. There is nothing more calculated to arouse suspicion than profuse protestations of friendship.

Proverbs 27:15-16. These must be read together. The first part suggests the persistence and wearisomeness of a contentious woman; the second part the inability to hinder her.

Proverbs 27:21. There are three interpretations of this proverb. First, that you may know what a man is by the way he bears praise. Second, that you may know what a man is by the things that he praises. Third, that a man who treats praise as the fining pot treats silver and gold purges it of unworthy substance.

Proverbs 27:23-27. A brief proverbial discourse setting forth the advantages of a simple agricultural life over a life spent in amassing wealth.

Proverbs 28

Proverbs 28:2. "The transgression of a land" must be understood as the opposite of the "state shall be prolonged." Then the proverb means that a multiplicity of princes is an evil, but men of understanding are a benefit.

Proverbs 28:13. Like Psalms 32:1-11, a remarkable revelation of how far these men saw into the very heart of truth concerning the attitude of God toward the sinner.

Proverbs 28:14. The blessedness of caution. The peril of stubbornness.

Proverbs 28:20. The man who makes fidelity the master principle will be rewarded. He who makes accumulation of wealth the master passion will be punished.

Proverbs 28:27. The latter part of this proverb describes an attitude which is very common, though popularly supposed not to be wrong. To hide the eyes means to refuse to see poverty. It is the sin of those who say they are too sensitive to visit the slums.

Proverbs 29

Proverbs 29:2. The sentiment of this proverb often recurs. On the surface it hardly appears to be true. To observe long issues is to be convinced of the absolute accuracy of the sentiment.

Proverbs 29:8. A fine motto for engraving on the walls of the Foreign Office of any nation.

Proverbs 29:13. That is to say, all intelligence is a divine gift, whether it be used in righteousness or in wickedness. Sin is always the prostitution of a God-given power to base purposes.

Proverbs 29:18. This proverb teaches that the one cohesive principle in national life is the consciousness of God which issues in true social conditions.

Proverbs 29:21. This is a simple statement of a fact. Whether it be one of blessing or of evil depends on the Christian's servant. An evil servant treated well assumes the position of a son in arrogance. A good servant treated well assumes the position of a son in devotion.

Proverbs 29:24. In this proverb the words, "He heareth the adjuration and uttereth nothing," is a purely technical term of the courts, which means that a man who, while not the actual thief is yet in fellowship with him, will on his oath perjure his soul.

Proverbs 29:27. A statement of the necessary and abiding antipathy between righteousness and unrighteousness.