Prov. 27 Counsel against self-conceitedness, Prov. 27:1–2. The evil effects of envy, Prov. 27:4. The praises of a faithful friend, Prov. 27:5–10. The different fruits of prudence and folly, Prov. 27:11–12. Sundry rules and cautions, Prov. 27:13–21.

Of tomorrow; of any good thing which thou purposest to do or hopest to receive to-morrow, or hereafter; the thee being here put metonymically for things done or had in the thee, as Deut. 4:32, Eccles. 2:23. The same caution is given James 4:13;c.

Except it be really necessary, either for thy own just vindication, or for the honour of God, or for the edification of others, in which cases this hath been allowed and practised by wise and virtuous men, as particularly by St. Paul, 2 Cor. 11:12.

Heavier; more grievous and intolerable, as being without cause, without measure, and without end.

Envy is worse than both of them, partly, because it is more unjust and unreasonable, as not caused by any provocation, as wrath and anger are, but only proceeding from a malignity of mind, whereby a man is grieved for another man’s happiness, in which he should rejoice; partly, because it is more…

Open rebuke, Heb. which is manifested or discovered, either, 1. Publicly and before others, when it is needful; in which case, though it put a man to some shame, yet it doth him good. Or, 2. Privately, and to the offender’s time, a plain and downright reproof. Better; more desirable and beneficial.

Faithful are the wounds; they proceed from an upright, and truly loving, and faithful soul, and really promote the good of the person reproved. The wounds; the sharpest reproofs, which for the present wound his spirit and reputation.

The full soul, a man whose appetite or desire (which is oft expressed in Scripture by the name of soul) is fully satisfied, loatheth an honey-comb, the most delicious meats.

That wandereth from her nest; that flies very much abroad from place to place, whereby she is exposed to all the arts of fowlers, and to birds of prey, from which she is safe whilst she keeps her nest.

Rejoice the heart, by increasing and comforting the spirits. No less grateful and pleasant is the company and conversation of a true friend, in respect of his good and faithful counsel, which comes from his very heart and soul, and contains his most inward and serious thoughts, whereas deceitful…

Thy father’s friend, of whose friendship thou hast had long experience. Neither go into thy brother’s house, to wit, for comfort and relief, and so as to forsake or neglect thy friend for him.

For being the father of a wicked son, as if I had either deserved him as a curse from God, or made him so by my example, or by the neglect of his education. See Ezek. 16:44, 1 Thess. 3:4.

This was delivered Prov. 22:3, and is here repeated to enforce the foregoing exhortation, by representing the great advantage of wisdom.

Possibly this is here repeated as a part of the father’s counsel to his son, begun Prov. 27:11, to avoid rash suretiship, to which young men are most prone, and by which they are exposed in the beginning of their days to many sins and miseries, which they carry with them to their graves.

He that blesseth his friend, that saluteth, or praiseth, and applaudeth him to his face, as the manner of flatterers is, with a loud voice, that both he and others may be sure to take notice of it; rising early in the morning to perform this office, to show his great forwardness, and diligence, and…

Are equally troublesome, the first not suffering a man to go abroad with comfort, the latter not permitting him to stay at home with quietness.

Whosoever hideth her, i.e. attempts to smother or bridle her passion, that it may not break forth to her shame, and to his own discomfort and reproach, hideth the wind; undertakes that which is impossible.

Iron cutting tools are made bright, and sharp, and fit for use by rubbing them against the file, or some other iron. So a man, who being alone is sad, and dull, and unactive, by the company and conversation of his friend is greatly refreshed, his very wits are sharpened, and his spirit revived, and…

He mentions the fig tree, because they abounded in Canaan, and were more valued and regarded than other trees. He that waiteth on his master, that serves him faithfully, prudently, and diligently, shall be honoroured; shall receive that respect and recompence which he deserves.

The sense is either, 1. As the image of a man’s face in the water answers to his natural face who looks into it; or, as in water one man’s face is like another’s, the difference of men’s faces being not there visible: so one man resembles another, either in the temper of his mind or body, in which…

Hell and destruction are never full; the grave devours all the bodies which are put into it, and is always ready to receive and devour more and more without end. The eyes, i.e.

As the fining pot for silver; is appointed and used for the trial of silver, and the detection and separation of the dross from it. So is a man to his praise; or, according to his praise. The sense is, So a man is known by his praises; either, 1.

Not a natural, but a moral and wilful fool, who by long continuance in sin is hardened and stupefied, and so incorrigible under all the means of amendment.

To know the state of thy flocks; that thou mayst preserve and improve what thou hast, and take care that thine expenses may not exceed thine incomes. Flocks and herds are here put for all riches and possessions, because anciently they were the chief part of a man’s riches. Look well, Heb.

Riches; or, treasure. The sense is, What thou dust now possess, or hast laid up, will not last always, but will soon be spent, if thou dost not take care to preserve and improve it. The crown; by which he understands a condition of the greatest honour and plenty.

The hay appeareth, and the tender grass showeth itself, in their proper seasons. These things may be here mentioned, either, 1. As the matter of his diligence. Take care that thy hay and grass may be well managed, and seasonably gathered, for the use of thy cattle. Or rather, 2.

The lambs are for thy clothing; by their wool and skins, either used to clothe thyself with or sold to purchase all manner of clothing for thyself and family.

Goats’ milk enough for thy food; or, if thou choosest rather to keep than to sell thy goats, the milk of them will serve thee for food to thyself, and to thy family.