Reading Plan · Day 193
Changes this passage only. Set your default for every passage.
Proverbs 25-28
Day 193
Previously · Day 192 · Proverbs 22-24
The previous day's reading covered three chapters that gave several specific applications of the themes of the previous chapters. In fact, the examples almost read like a final list...as if this was the end of the Book of Proverbs.
Day 193 Read
Where You Stopped
Proverbs 25
1These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
1These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
Commentary · verse 1
2It is the glory of God to conceal a thing; But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
3As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable.
2It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
3The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
Commentary · verses 2-3
God had all the information, kings/man did not. Man ought to search out a matter in order to understand it...however, understanding a king's heart may not be possible for his subjects.
4Take away the dross from the silver, And there cometh forth a vessel for the refiner: 5Take away the wicked from before the king, And his throne shall be established in righteousness.
4Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.
5Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
Commentary · verses 4-5
A king's throne would be established in the long term only by righteousness.
6Put not thyself forward in the presence of the king, And stand not in the place of great men: 7For better is it 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.
6Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:
7For 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.
8Go not forth hastily to strive, Lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, When thy neighbor hath put thee to shame.
9Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself, And disclose not the secret of another; 10Lest he that heareth it revile thee, And thine infamy turn not away.
8Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.
9Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:
10Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
Commentary · verses 8-10
This sounded like the advice you would get from the king's/judge's perspective: If you have a cause to debate with your neighbor, go to him first. See Matthew 18.
11A word fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in network of silver.
11A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Commentary · verse 11
A word spoken for the right reason (WHY) and in the right way (HOW) was as treasure.
12As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, So is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
12As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
Commentary · verse 12
Wise correction was as treasure to those who had an obedient ear...those who were contrastive and wanted to be shown where they were wrong.
13As 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.
14As clouds and wind without rain, So is he that boasteth himself of his gifts falsely.
13As 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.
14Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
Commentary · verses 13-14
Clouds without rain were empty: vain. So were those who bragged about their gifts falsely.
15By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded, And a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
15By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
Commentary · verse 15
Knowing the right way to listen (forbearing) and speak (soft tongue) was important. These were powerful tools when communicating and doing this right would benefit the people you interacted with.
16Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, Lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
16Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
Commentary · verse 16
Be content with what you HAVE. The physical runs down over time.
17Let thy foot be seldom in thy neighbor’s house, Lest he be weary of thee, and hate thee.
18A man that beareth false witness against his neighbor Is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
19Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
17Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.
18A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
19Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
Commentary · verses 17-19
Trusting in someone who was untrustworthy was going to lead you down the wrong path or no path. This mini-section seemed to speak from experience and was mildly pessimistic.
20As one that taketh off a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon soda, So is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart.
21If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: 22For thou wilt heap coals of fire upon his head, And Jehovah will reward thee.
20As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.
21If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
22For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.
Commentary · verses 20-22
If you love your enemy, you will have Reward and your enemy will be overcome. See Romans 12:19-21.
23The north wind bringeth forth rain; So doth a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.
24It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, Than with a contentious woman in a wide house.
25As cold waters to a thirsty soul, So is good news from a far country.
26As a troubled fountain, and a corrupted spring, So is a righteous man that giveth way before the wicked.
27It is not good to eat much honey; So for men to search out their own glory is grievous.
23The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
24It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.
25As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
26A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.
27It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.
Commentary · verses 23-27
Why do you do the things you do? To get affirmed? To help others?
28He whose spirit is without restraint Is like a city that is broken down and without walls.
28He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
Commentary · verse 28
This chapter contained proverbs from the perspective of the king/judge, and they were mildly pessimistic.
Where You Stopped
Proverbs 26
1As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, So honor is not seemly for a fool.
1As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.
Commentary · verse 1
A fool did not even recognize the value in honor. A fool was without understanding.
2As the sparrow in her wandering, as the swallow in her flying, So the curse that is causeless alighteth not.
3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, And a rod for the back of fools.
2As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.
3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.
Commentary · verses 2-3
Fools were compared to animals that needed a physical correction to get their attention.
Doctrines on this passage
4Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou also be like unto him.
5Answer a fool according to his folly, Lest he be wise in his own conceit.
4Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
5Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
Commentary · verses 4-5
It was better to not answer a fool at all. Fools had no understanding and would not receive your answer whether you were giving them understanding or not. Verse 3 was the only correction a fool would respond to, through experience.
6He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool Cutteth off his own feet, and drinketh in damage.
6He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.
Commentary · verse 6
This would be an example of trusting someone who was untrustworthy. A fool had no understanding and therefore no trust. Giving this person responsibility would only be a detriment to you.
7The legs of the lame hang loose; So is a parable in the mouth of fools.
7The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
Commentary · verse 7
A parable in the mouth of a fool had no strength because it had no understanding...no WHY.
8As one that bindeth a stone in a sling, So is he that giveth honor to a fool.
9As a thorn that goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, So is a parable in the mouth of fools.
10As an archer that woundeth all, So is he that hireth a fool and he that hireth them that pass by.
11As a dog that returneth to his vomit, So is a fool that repeateth his folly.
8As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.
9As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
10The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.
11As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
Commentary · verses 8-11
This verse was referenced in 2 Peter 2:22. This was the opposite of repentance. Repentance was turning the opposite way. So far, this chapter focused on the frustration associated with dealing with fools.
12Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him.
13The sluggard saith, There is a lion in the way; A lion is in the streets.
14As the door turneth upon its hinges, So doth the sluggard upon his bed.
15The sluggard burieth his hand in the dish; It wearieth him to bring it again to his mouth.
16The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit Than seven men that can render a reason.
12Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
13The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.
14As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.
15The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
16The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
Commentary · verses 12-16
A sluggard was a specific type of fool: someone who rested without work (sloth). These examples showed that a sluggard also justified WHY he could be lazy. To the point that seven men with a reason could not cause the sluggard to humble himself.
17He that passeth by, and vexeth himself with strife belonging not to him, Is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
18As a madman who casteth firebrands, Arrows, and death, 19So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, And saith, Am not I in sport?
17He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
18As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
19So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
Commentary · verses 17-19
Deceiving your neighbor was compared to using weapons (including death!) against someone and rationalizing it by saying, "I was only joking!"
20For lack of wood the fire goeth out; And where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth.
20Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
Commentary · verse 20
Contention stopped when there was no gossip.
21As coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to inflame strife.
21As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
Commentary · verse 21
Contentious men were another specific type of fool: they argued for the sake of the argument and to prove themselves right, not to gain understanding.
22The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.
23Fervent lips and a wicked heart Are like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross.
22The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
23Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
Commentary · verses 22-23
Fervent (burning) lips and an evil heart were like a clay pot covered in silver. They may look good on the outside but the inside was made of dust.
24He that hateth dissembleth with his lips; But he layeth up deceit within him:
24He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;
Commentary · verse 24
Words were used to destroy by those who hate.
25When he speaketh fair, believe him not; For there are seven abominations in his heart: 26Though his hatred cover itself with guile, His wickedness shall be openly showed before the assembly.
27Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein; And he that rolleth a stone, it shall return upon him.
25When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.
26Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.
27Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.
Commentary · verses 25-27
...judgment against the deceitful.
28A lying tongue hateth those whom it hath wounded; And a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
28A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
Commentary · verse 28
This chapter focused on the frustration associated with dealing with fools, sluggards, and contentious/deceitful people. Solomon sounded like he was speaking from experience...
Where You Stopped
Proverbs 27
1Boast not thyself of to-morrow; For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
1Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
Commentary · verse 1
Focus on the moment and how you can be wise right now. You may not have another day to do what is right.
2Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; A stranger, and not thine own lips.
2Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
Commentary · verse 2
Let others affirm you, and affirm others first.
3A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; But a fool’s vexation is heavier than they both.
3A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both.
Commentary · verse 3
A fool's wrath/anger was heavier (more abundant) than stone.
4Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; But who is able to stand before jealousy?
5Better is open rebuke Than love that is hidden.
6Faithful are the wounds of a friend; But the kisses of an enemy are profuse.
4Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
5Open rebuke is better than secret love.
6Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Commentary · verses 4-6
Wounds from a friend would be correction for your benefit, a kiss from an enemy was short term distraction for a destructive purpose.
7The full soul loatheth a honeycomb; But to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
7The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
Commentary · verse 7
A hungry soul was one that was pursuing growth by finding out where they were wrong (contrastive). "Bitter things" were sweet to those who focused on growth.
8As a bird that wandereth from her nest, So is a man that wandereth from his place.
9Oil and perfume rejoice the heart; So doth the sweetness of a man’s friend that cometh of hearty counsel.
8As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.
9Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.
Commentary · verses 8-9
Oil and perfume let off a scent and rejoiced the heart. Our sense of smell is tied directly to our emotions and memory.
10Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; And go not to thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: Better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off.
11My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him that reproacheth me.
12A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth himself; But the simple pass on, and suffer for it.
10Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.
11My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.
12A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.
Commentary · verses 10-12
A man with understanding recognized evil and hid himself from it. Those without understanding suffered for it.
13Take his garment that is surety for a stranger; And hold him in pledge that is surety for a foreign woman.
14He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, It shall be counted a curse to him.
13Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
14He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.
Commentary · verses 13-14
This was excessive flattery: affirming someone without a reason. This was also known as "gainsaying." When you affirm someone, you should know WHY you are affirming them. You ought to affirm them as an effect of a specific cause and the person you are affirming ought to be made aware of the specific cause.
15A continual dropping in a very rainy day And a contentious woman are alike: 16He that would restrain her restraineth the wind; And his right hand encountereth oil.
17Iron sharpeneth iron; So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
15A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.
16Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.
17Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
Commentary · verses 15-17
Iron sharpened iron: conversation promoted intelligence, which the face exhibited. What types of conversations promote intelligence? Conversations that are contrastive and remove contradictions. These confrontational types of conversations, when done by speaking the "truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15), bring an increase of understanding and wisdom.
18Whoso keepeth the fig-tree shall eat the fruit thereof; And he that regardeth his master shall be honored.
18Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.
Commentary · verse 18
Serving your master would bring you honor in the long term, through Justice.
19As in water face answereth to face, So the heart of man to man.
19As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.
Commentary · verse 19
As a man saw his face in the reflection of water so did men see the hearts of other men by their actions.
20Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; And the eyes of man are never satisfied.
20Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
Commentary · verse 20
The eyes of "man" sought physical things. The physical would never satisfy.
21The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; And a man is tried by his praise.
22Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with bruised grain, Yet will not his foolishness depart from him.
21As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.
22Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.
Commentary · verses 21-22
A fool would remain a fool until he considered he could be wrong.
23Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, And look well to thy herds:
23Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.
Commentary · verse 23
Be intentional about knowing the state of the people under your care and see that you do well for them.
24For riches are not for ever; And doth the crown endure unto all generations?
24For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?
Commentary · verse 24
The care we give to those under our care ought to be profitable over the long term. Only supporting those we lead by giving them riches (physical things) will not help them long term.
25The hay is carried, and the tender grass showeth itself, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in.
26The lambs are for thy clothing, And the goats are the price of the field; 27And there will be goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, And maintenance for thy maidens.
25The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.
26The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of the field.
27And thou shalt have goats’ milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.
Commentary · verses 25-27
This chapter seemed to focus on the interactions between people, both good and bad.
Where You Stopped
Proverbs 28
1The wicked flee when no man pursueth; But the righteous are bold as a lion.
1The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Commentary · verse 1
The wicked were guilty and paranoid (they ran when no one was chasing them). The righteous were confident because they were willing to consider they could be wrong. If you are trying to find out where you are wrong, what do you have to be afraid of?
2For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; But by men of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.
2For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.
Commentary · verse 2
Men of understanding and knowledge brought long term benefits.
3A needy man that oppresseth the poor Is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
4They that forsake the law praise the wicked; But such as keep the law contend with them.
5Evil men understand not justice; But they that seek Jehovah understand all things.
3A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
4They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
5Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
Commentary · verses 3-5
Evil men did not understand Justice. Those who sought God understood all things. Notice, Justice and Jehovah were the comparisons in this verse. This was because God was Just.
6Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, Than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
6Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Commentary · verse 6
It was better to do right and have nothing than have much and do wrong.
7Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son; But he that is a companion of gluttons shameth his father.
8He that augmenteth his substance by interest and increase, Gathereth it for him that hath pity on the poor.
9He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.
7Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
8He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
9He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
Commentary · verses 7-9
Those who did not even attempt to understand the Law (God's guidance) were not heard by God. Their prayers were an abomination!
10Whoso causeth the upright to go astray in an evil way, He shall fall himself into his own pit; But the perfect shall inherit good.
10Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.
Commentary · verse 10
The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 14:13 that the only thing we (believers) ought to judge is if a stumblingblock is put in the path of a believer. Judge the stumblingblock, not the person.
11The rich man is wise in his own conceit; But the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; But when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
11The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
12When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
Commentary · verses 11-12
Men suffered when the wicked were in a position of power.
13He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper; But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.
13He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
Commentary · verse 13
Confession and repentance granted you mercy.
14Happy is the man that feareth alway; But he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
15As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear, So is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
14Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
15As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
Commentary · verses 14-15
A wicked ruler was as an animal that was only focused on itself and its survival, no one else.
16The prince that lacketh understanding is also a great oppressor; But he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
17A man that is laden with the blood of any person Shall flee unto the pit; let no man stay him.
18Whoso walketh uprightly shall be delivered; But he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
16The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
17A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
18Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
Commentary · verses 16-18
Whoever walked (made progress) uprightly (Righteously through grace) would be saved.
19He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread; But he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
19He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
Commentary · verse 19
Those who were profitable would receive profit. Those who depended on the profit of others would be poor.
20A faithful man shall abound with blessings; But he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be unpunished.
20A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
Commentary · verse 20
Is God your cause of money or is money your cause?
21To have respect of persons is not good; Neither that a man should transgress for a piece of bread.
21To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
Commentary · verse 21
God was not a respecter of persons. This meant God gave and then gave everyone the opportunity to follow Him and make that choice. We also should give others the opportunity to be excellent.
22He that hath an evil eye hasteth after riches, And knoweth not that want shall come upon him.
23He that rebuketh a man shall afterward find more favor Than he that flattereth with the tongue.
24Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression, The same is the companion of a destroyer.
22He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
23He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
24Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
Commentary · verses 22-24
You were considered a friend of a destroyer (an evil one) if you said that robbing your father or mother was not a transgression.
25He that is of a greedy spirit stirreth up strife; But he that putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be made fat.
25He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
Commentary · verse 25
If your focus was on your faith in God, you would be given plenty in the long term.
26He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool; But whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
27He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack; But he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
26He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
27He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
Commentary · verses 26-27
Solomon encouraged the reader to give to the poor. He that did give to the poor would not lack. Did Solomon take his own advice?
28When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous increase.
28When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
Commentary · verse 28
This chapter seemed to contrast the righteous with the wicked.
This day's reading covered the final proverbs of Solomon. They read like a summary: advice from a king/judge, frustration with fools, interactions between people, and contrasting the righteous with the wicked. The next chapter was Solomon's final chapter in the Book of Proverbs...
This chapter contained proverbs from Solomon but copied down by the men of King Hezekiah. This sentence implied the previous proverbs were all from Solomon. There was some evidence that about 275 years after Solomon, Hezekiah had the books of the Old Testament edited by Isaiah. The following proverbs of Solomon may be a compilation from different writings of Solomon, perhaps even like a "best of."