Proverbs 25
Verse 1
These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the 1 men of Hezekiah king of Judah 2 copied out.
Whom Hezekiah appointed for this purpose.
That is, gathered out of various books of Solomon.
Verse 2
It is the glory of God to 1 conceal a thing: but the honour of 2 kings is to search out a matter.
God does not reveal the cause of his judgments to man.
Because the king rules by the revealed word of God, the cause of his doings must appear, and therefore he must use diligence in trying causes.
Verse 3
The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of 1 kings is unsearchable.
He shows that it is too hard for man to attain the reason of all the secret doings of the king, even when he is upright and does his duty.
Verse 4
Take away the 1 dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the refiner.
When vice is removed from a king, he is a meet vessel for the Lord's use.
Verse 5
Take 1 away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
It is not enough that he is pure himself, but that he put away others who are corrupted.
Verse 10
Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thy infamy 1 turn not away.
Lest while you think by this means to have an end of the matter, it put you to further trouble.
Verse 13
As the cold of snow 1 in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.
In the time of great heat, when men desire cold.
Verse 14
Whoever boasteth himself of a false gift is like 1 clouds and wind without rain.
Which have an outward appearance, and are nothing within.
Verse 15
By long 1 forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the 2 bone.
By not creating opportunity to provoke him further.
That is, the heart that is bent to anger, as in
Verse 16
Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is 1 sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled with it, and vomit it.
Use moderately the pleasures of this world.
Verse 20
As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon 1 soda, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.
Which melts it, and consumes it.
Verse 22
For thou shalt heap 1 coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.
You will, as if by force, overcome him, in so much that his own conscience will move him to acknowledge the benefits, and his heart will be inflamed.
Verse 28
He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is 1 broken down, and without walls.
And so is in extreme danger.