Posted by Jeff Short on November 28, 2018 · Leave a Comment
When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.
– Proverbs 26:25
This verse continues from the previous, so it is the hating man who
speaketh fair. He uses gracious speech to mask what is within. In this case,
seven abominations are concealed within. This could be a reference to the seven abominations of Proverbs 6:16-19, but more likely speaks of completion in the sense his heart is thoroughly abominable. Wisdom teaches to discern character and not judge merely by outward appearance, and warns against believing the fair sounding words.
Posted by Jeff Short on November 27, 2018 · Leave a Comment
He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;
– Proverbs 26:24
Hatred is often the mark of an enemy. At least, it refers to one with ill intentions, or malicious designs. The word for
dissembleth means to recognize. The English word means a false appearance. The malicious man disguises his evil intentions with the words of his mouth (Proverbs 12:5, 17, 20).
Posted by Jeff Short on November 14, 2018 · Leave a Comment
Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
– Proverbs 26:23
Verses 23-26 focus on hypocritical speech. The word for
burning means flaming and can be put for fervency, or we might say passion. It is passionate and earnest speech that covers the motives of a
wicked heart. The saying refers to hypocrisy or deception. Scholars debate the precise meaning of the words for
silver dross, but the image is clear enough. The picture is of a clay vessel glazed over to appear brilliant and solid. The intention would be to sell it as a pure and strong vessel in order to get a higher price. It’s a common enough deception we’ve all probably encountered. We should equally beware of fair speech (Proverbs 10:18).
Posted by Jeff Short on September 14, 2018 · Leave a Comment
As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
– Proverbs 25:25
The image uses water in a good form. Cold water is refreshing and invigorating to a thirsty soul. Being from a
far country meant rare, hard to come by. So good news here is an apt and timely word (Proverbs 15:23, 30).
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Posted by Jeff Short on September 12, 2018 · Leave a Comment
The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
– Proverbs 25:23
The final proverbs in this chapter don’t have a strong connection, or theme. The original in this verse is difficult, but the image is clear enough. The word for
driveth away means bring forth, so rain comes with the wind. The word for
backbiting means covering, or secrecy. When the word is used of speech, it indicates slanderous speech. The saying is that as sure as the wind brings the rain, a slandering tongue will bring an
angry countenance. Wisdom’s warning would here goes to the slanderer.
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Posted by Jeff Short on September 7, 2018 · Leave a Comment
As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart.
– Proverbs 25:20
The first image depicts irritation as well as an actual worsening of a person’s situation. The second image is somewhat obscure in terms of the precise meaning. The word for
nitre refers to sodium carbonate, which is neutralized by vinegar and doing so is counterproductive. Most likely it depicts ruining and making useless something otherwise useful. The point of the images is explained in the last phrase. The singing of songs here indicates an insensitive jollity. The effect is opposite of a word fitly spoken (Proverbs 12:25; 25:10-11).
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Posted by Jeff Short on August 11, 2018 · Leave a Comment
By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
– Proverbs 25:15
This verse ends this group of proverbs concerning the right use of words. Wisdom highlights the value of patience and soft words. The word for
soft means tender, or delicate. It can be used to speak of weakness, but it is elsewhere put against “wrath” and “grievous words” (Proverbs 15:1). It stands opposite of harsh and angry words. The image of breaking a
bone refers to overcoming stiff opposition. Wisdom teaches patience and calm speech can pacify wrath (Proverbs 16:14).
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Posted by Jeff Short on August 8, 2018 · Leave a Comment
As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
– Proverbs 25:12
This proverb is along the same line as the previous in considering the aptness of a fitting word. The image used continues to convey beauty, craftsmanship, and value in wise words. The word for
reprover means to correct, or prove. Wisdom is not only found in the selection of words, but also in the right time and place for the speaking of them, and the right listener for them. The word for
obedient means to hear with intelligence, or to give careful attention to. Wisdom knows when to speak and when to keep silent, particularly when it comes to reproof or instruction (Proverbs 1:8-9; 9:8; 15:5, 31-32; 27:5-6).
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Posted by Jeff Short on August 2, 2018 · Leave a Comment
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
– Proverbs 25:11
Verses 11-15 are proverbs concerning the right use of speech. The words used in this verse are difficult. Translators have taken them differently as to their precise meaning. The phrase,
a word fitly spoken, refers to balance and arrangement. The proverb speaks of well-ordered and appropriate words to the situation (Proverbs 15:23; 24:26). The image of the proverb suggests beauty of form, quality of work, and lasting value. Such is the wisely formed and wisely spoken apt word.
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Proverbs 26:25
Posted by Jeff Short on November 28, 2018 · Leave a Comment
When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.
– Proverbs 26:25
This verse continues from the previous, so it is the hating man who speaketh fair. He uses gracious speech to mask what is within. In this case, seven abominations are concealed within. This could be a reference to the seven abominations of Proverbs 6:16-19, but more likely speaks of completion in the sense his heart is thoroughly abominable. Wisdom teaches to discern character and not judge merely by outward appearance, and warns against believing the fair sounding words.Share this:
Filed under 26, Proverbs, Short Comments · Tagged with Commentary, Deceit, Hypocrisy, Proverbs, Speech