Proverbs 25

The Book of Proverbs
Chapter 25
25:1These - Which are contained in this and the following chapters.The men - Certain persons appointed by Hezekiah for that work. Many of them are political precepts, and such as in a special manner concerned Hezekiah, and other princes, for the conduct of their house and kingdom.Copied - Out of the historical records which were then extant.
25:2The glory - It is agreeable to the nature of God; it is a testimony of his infinite wisdom, and of his absolute power and sovereignty.To conceal - To keep his counsels, and the reasons of his actions in his own breast. Search out - To communicate their counsels to others, that so they may search and find out the right way.
25:3The heart - Though wise kings will search out other men, yet their inward thoughts and purposes are hardly discoverable.
25:4Take away - Then, and not 'till then it is fit for that use.
25:6Stand not - Do not affect frequent and familiar society with greater persons than thyself.
25:10Lest he - Reproach thee for thy gross violation of the laws of prudence, justice and friendship.
25:11Of silver - Which it seems was usual in those times, and was grateful to the eye for the beauty and variety both of the colours and figures, the golden apples appearing through net - work of silver.
25:13Cold of snow - As drink cooled with ice or snow, as is usual in hot countries.
25:14Boasteth - Promising what he never intends to give.Is like - Like empty clouds carried about with wind, and not affording that rain which they promise.
25:15Forbearing - By patient submission and expectation.Breaketh - Softens the hardest heart.
25:17Withdraw - Visit him not too frequently.
25:18A sword - Is as cruel and pernicious as any instrument of death.
25:20As vinegar - Which dissolves the nitre, and makes it useless and ineffectual.
25:21Bread - By bread and water he understands all things necessary for his subsistence.
25:22For - In so doing, which words are expressed Romans 12:20 , where this text is quoted. Thou shalt melt him into repentance, and love.
25:25So - Because it comes more rarely and difficultly, after it hath been long expected.