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Text -- Proverbs 23:1-16 (NET)
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collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)
With a great man.
Restrain thine appetite, as if a man stood with a knife at thy throat.
They do not yield thee that satisfaction which thou didst expect from them.
Wesley: Pro 23:4 - -- From worldly wisdom, which persuades men to use all possible means to get riches.
From worldly wisdom, which persuades men to use all possible means to get riches.
Look upon it with earnestness and desire.
Wesley: Pro 23:7 - -- You are not to judge of him by his words, but by the constant temper of his mind.
You are not to judge of him by his words, but by the constant temper of his mind.
Wesley: Pro 23:8 - -- When thou perceivest his churlish disposition, his meat will be loathsome to thee.
When thou perceivest his churlish disposition, his meat will be loathsome to thee.
Thy pleasant discourse wherewith thou didst design to delight and profit him.
Cast not away good counsels upon incorrigible sinners.
Wesley: Pro 23:11 - -- Heb. their near kinsman, to whom it belongs to avenge their wrongs, and to recover and maintain their rights.
Heb. their near kinsman, to whom it belongs to avenge their wrongs, and to recover and maintain their rights.
It is a likely way to prevent his destruction.
(Pro. 23:1-35)
Avoid the dangers of gluttony.
An Eastern figure for putting restraint on the appetite.
Which regards riches intrinsically as a blessing.
JFB: Pro 23:5 - -- As the eyes fly after or seek riches, they are not, that is, either become transitory or unsatisfying; fully expressed by their flying away.
As the eyes fly after or seek riches, they are not, that is, either become transitory or unsatisfying; fully expressed by their flying away.
JFB: Pro 23:6-8 - -- Beware of deceitful men, whose courtesies even you will repent of having accepted.
Beware of deceitful men, whose courtesies even you will repent of having accepted.
JFB: Pro 23:8 - -- That is, disgusted with his true character, all pleasant intercourse will be destroyed.
That is, disgusted with his true character, all pleasant intercourse will be destroyed.
JFB: Pro 23:13-14 - -- While there is little danger that the use of the "divine ordinance of the rod" will produce bodily harm, there is great hope of spiritual good.
While there is little danger that the use of the "divine ordinance of the rod" will produce bodily harm, there is great hope of spiritual good.
JFB: Pro 23:15-16 - -- The pleasure afforded the teacher by the pupil's progress is a motive to diligence.
The pleasure afforded the teacher by the pupil's progress is a motive to diligence.
Clarke: Pro 23:1 - -- When thou sittest to eat with a ruler - When invited to the table of thy betters, eat moderately. Do not appear as if half starved at home. Eat not ...
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler - When invited to the table of thy betters, eat moderately. Do not appear as if half starved at home. Eat not of delicacies to which thou art not accustomed; they are deceitful meat; they please, but they do not profit. They are pleasant to the sight, the taste, and the smell; but they are injurious to health. These are prudential cautions; and should be carefully observed by all who would avoid the conduct of a clown, and desire to pass for a well-bred man.
Clarke: Pro 23:2 - -- Put a knife to thy throat - Repress thy appetite, and do not be incontinent of speech. Eat, drink, and converse, under a check.
Put a knife to thy throat - Repress thy appetite, and do not be incontinent of speech. Eat, drink, and converse, under a check.
Clarke: Pro 23:4 - -- Labour not to be rich - Let not this be thy object. Labour to provide things honest in the sight of God and all men; and if thou get wealth, do not ...
Labour not to be rich - Let not this be thy object. Labour to provide things honest in the sight of God and all men; and if thou get wealth, do not forget the poor, else God’ s curse will be a canker even in thy gold
Clarke: Pro 23:4 - -- Cease from thine own wisdom - בינתך binathecha , thy own understanding or prudence. The world says, "Get rich if thou canst, and how thou cans...
Cease from thine own wisdom -
Clarke: Pro 23:6 - -- Of him that hath an evil eye - Never eat with a covetous or stingy man; if he entertains you at his own expense, he grudges every morsel you put in ...
Of him that hath an evil eye - Never eat with a covetous or stingy man; if he entertains you at his own expense, he grudges every morsel you put in your mouth. This is well marked by the wise man in the next verse: "Eat and drink, saith he: but his heart is not with thee."
Clarke: Pro 23:8 - -- The morsel which thou hast eaten - On reflection thou wilt even blame thyself for having accepted his invitation.
The morsel which thou hast eaten - On reflection thou wilt even blame thyself for having accepted his invitation.
Clarke: Pro 23:10 - -- Enter not into the fields of the fatherless - Take nothing that belongs to an orphan. The heaviest curse of God will fall upon them that do so.
Enter not into the fields of the fatherless - Take nothing that belongs to an orphan. The heaviest curse of God will fall upon them that do so.
Clarke: Pro 23:11 - -- For their redeemer is mighty - גאלם goalam , their kinsman. The word means the person who has a right, being next in blood, to redeem a field o...
For their redeemer is mighty -
Clarke: Pro 23:14 - -- Thou shalt beat him with the rod - A proper correction of children was a favourite point of discipline with Solomon. We have already seen how forcib...
Thou shalt beat him with the rod - A proper correction of children was a favourite point of discipline with Solomon. We have already seen how forcibly he speaks on this subject. See the notes on the places referred to in 1Co 5:5 (note).
Defender: Pro 23:14 - -- "Hell" is the Hebrew sheol, the prison of departed spirits in the heart of the earth. The "rod" can be merely a "switch." Children must learn faith an...
"Hell" is the Hebrew
TSK: Pro 23:4 - -- Labour : Pro 28:20; Joh 6:27; 1Ti 6:8-10
cease : Pro 3:5, Pro 26:12; Isa 5:21; Rom 11:25, Rom 12:16
TSK: Pro 23:5 - -- thou : Psa 119:36, Psa 119:37; Jer 22:17; 1Jo 2:16
set thine eyes upon : Heb. cause thine eyes to fly upon, etc. ""He expresses it in such a way,""say...
thou : Psa 119:36, Psa 119:37; Jer 22:17; 1Jo 2:16
set thine eyes upon : Heb. cause thine eyes to fly upon, etc. ""He expresses it in such a way,""says Abp. Tillotson, ""as if a rich man sat brooding over an estate till it was fledged, and gotten itself wings to fly away."
that which : Gen 42:36; Ecc 1:2, Ecc 12:8; Isa 55:2; 1Co 7:29-31
riches : Pro 27:24; Job 1:14-17; Psa 39:6; Ecc 5:13, Ecc 5:14; Mat 6:19; 1Ti 6:17; Jam 5:1, Jam 5:2
TSK: Pro 23:6 - -- an : Pro 22:9; Deu 15:9, Deu 28:56; Mat 20:15; Mar 7:22
desire : Pro 23:3; Psa 141:4; Dan 1:8-10
TSK: Pro 23:7 - -- as : Pro 19:22; Mat 9:3, Mat 9:4; Luk 7:39
Eat : Jdg 16:15; 2Sa 13:26-28; Psa 12:2, Psa 55:21; Dan 11:27; Luke 11:37-54
TSK: Pro 23:9 - -- Speak : Pro 9:7, Pro 9:8, Pro 26:4, Pro 26:5; Isa 36:21; Mat 7:6; Act 13:45, Act 13:46, Act 28:25-28
he : Luk 16:14; Joh 8:52, Joh 9:30-34, Joh 9:40, ...
Speak : Pro 9:7, Pro 9:8, Pro 26:4, Pro 26:5; Isa 36:21; Mat 7:6; Act 13:45, Act 13:46, Act 28:25-28
he : Luk 16:14; Joh 8:52, Joh 9:30-34, Joh 9:40, Joh 10:20; Act 17:18, Act 17:32; 1Co 1:21-24; 1Co 4:10-13
TSK: Pro 23:10 - -- Remove : Pro 22:28; Deu 19:14, Deu 27:17; Job 24:2
landmark : or, bound
fatherless : Job 6:27, Job 22:9, Job 24:3, Job 24:9, Job 31:21-23; Psa 94:6; J...
TSK: Pro 23:12 - -- Pro 23:19, Pro 2:2-6, Pro 5:1, Pro 5:2, Pro 22:17; Eze 33:31; Mat 13:52; Jam 1:21-25
TSK: Pro 23:15 - -- My son : Pro 1:10, Pro 2:1, Pro 4:1; Mat 9:2; Joh 21:5; 1Jo 2:1
if : Pro 23:24, Pro 23:25, Pro 10:1, Pro 15:20, Pro 29:3; 1Th 2:19, 1Th 2:20, 1Th 3:8,...
collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)
Barnes: Pro 23:1 - -- What is before thee - Beware lest dainties tempt thee to excess. Or, "consider diligently who is before thee,"the character and temper of the r...
What is before thee - Beware lest dainties tempt thee to excess. Or, "consider diligently who is before thee,"the character and temper of the ruler who invites thee.
Barnes: Pro 23:2 - -- i. e., "Restrain thy appetite, eat as if the knife were at thy throat."Others render the words "thou wilt put a knife to thy throat"etc., i. e., "in...
i. e., "Restrain thy appetite, eat as if the knife were at thy throat."Others render the words "thou wilt put a knife to thy throat"etc., i. e., "indulgence at such a time may endanger thy very life."
Barnes: Pro 23:3 - -- Dainties ... deceitful meat - Such as "savory meat,"venison Gen 27:4, offered not from genuine hospitality, but with some by-ends.
Dainties ... deceitful meat - Such as "savory meat,"venison Gen 27:4, offered not from genuine hospitality, but with some by-ends.
Barnes: Pro 23:4 - -- Cease from thine own wisdom - i. e., "Cease from the use of what is in itself most excellent, if it only serves to seek after wealth, and so mi...
Cease from thine own wisdom - i. e., "Cease from the use of what is in itself most excellent, if it only serves to seek after wealth, and so ministers to evil."There is no special contrast between "thine own wisdom"and that given from above, though it is of course implied that in ceasing from his own prudence the man is on the way to attain a higher wisdom.
Barnes: Pro 23:5 - -- Set thine eyes - literally, as in the margin, i. e., "gaze eagerly upon;"and then we get an emphatic parallelism with the words that follow, "t...
Set thine eyes - literally, as in the margin, i. e., "gaze eagerly upon;"and then we get an emphatic parallelism with the words that follow, "they fly away as an eagle toward heaven;""certainly make themselves wings."
Barnes: Pro 23:6 - -- A different danger from that of Pro 23:1. The hazard here is the hospitality of the purse-proud rich, avaricious or grudging even in his banquets. ...
Barnes: Pro 23:7 - -- Thinketh - The Hebrew verb is found here only, and probably means, "as he is all along in his heart, so is he (at last) in act."
Thinketh - The Hebrew verb is found here only, and probably means, "as he is all along in his heart, so is he (at last) in act."
Barnes: Pro 23:9 - -- The "fool"here is one willfully and persistently deaf to it, almost identical with the scorner.
The "fool"here is one willfully and persistently deaf to it, almost identical with the scorner.
Barnes: Pro 23:11 - -- The reason is given for the precept Pro 23:10. Their redeemer - See Job 19:25 note. It was the duty of the גאל gā'al , the next of ...
The reason is given for the precept Pro 23:10.
Their redeemer - See Job 19:25 note. It was the duty of the
Barnes: Pro 23:13-14 - -- i. e., "You will not kill your son by scourging him, you may kill him by with holding the scourge." Pro 23:14 Hell - Sheol, the world of ...
i. e., "You will not kill your son by scourging him, you may kill him by with holding the scourge."
Hell - Sheol, the world of the dead.
Barnes: Pro 23:15-35 - -- Another continuous exhortation rather than a collection of maxims. Pro 23:16 The teacher rejoices when the disciple’ s heart Pro 23:15 r...
Another continuous exhortation rather than a collection of maxims.
The teacher rejoices when the disciple’ s heart Pro 23:15 receives wisdom, and yet more when his lips can utter it.
Reins - See Job 19:27 note.
Envy sinners - Compare in Psa 37:1; Psa 73:3; the feeling which looks half-longingly at the prosperity of evil doers. Some connect the verb "envy"with the second clause, "envy not sinners, but envy, emulate, the fear of the Lord."
Or, For if there is an end (hereafter), thine expectations shall not be cut off. There is an implied confidence in immortality.
Riotous eaters of flesh - The word is the same as "glutton"in Pro 23:21 and Deu 21:20.
The three forms of evil that destroy reputation and tempt to waste are brought together.
Drowsiness - Specially the drunken sleep, heavy and confused.
Observe - Another reading gives, "let thine eyes delight in my ways."
As for a prey - Better as in the margin.
The transgressors - Better, the treacherous,"those that attack men treacherously.
Woe ... sorrow - The words in the original are interjections, probably expressing distress. The sharp touch of the satirist reproduces the actual inarticulate utterances of drunkenness.
Mixed wine - Wine flavored with aromatic spices, that increase its stimulating properties Isa 5:22. There is a touch of sarcasm in "go to seek."The word, elsewhere used of diligent search after knowledge Pro 25:2; Job 11:7; Psa 139:1, is used here of the investigations of connoisseurs in wine meeting to test its qualities.
His color - literally, "its eye,"the clear brightness, or the beaded bubbles on which the wine drinker looks with complacency.
It moveth itself aright - The Hebrew word describes the pellucid stream flowing pleasantly from the wineskin or jug into the goblet or the throat (compare Son 7:9), rather than a sparkling wine.
Adder - Said to be the Cerastes, or horned snake.
The passage is interesting, as showing the increased familiarity of Israelites with the experiences of sea life (compare Psa 104:25-26; Psa 107:23-30).
In the midst of the sea - i. e., When the ship is in the trough of the sea and the man is on the deck. The second clause varies the form of danger, the man is in the "cradle"at the top of the mast, and sleeps there, regardless of the danger.
The picture ends with the words of the drunkard on waking from his sleep. Unconscious of the excesses of the night, his first thought is to return to his old habit.
When shall I awake ... - Better, when I shall awake I will seek it yet again.
Poole: Pro 23:1 - -- When thou sittest to eat with a ruler when thou art invited to a feast with a great man,
consider diligently what is before thee either
1. What ...
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler when thou art invited to a feast with a great man,
consider diligently what is before thee either
1. What person or persons. Or rather,
2. What things; what plenty and variety of meats and drinks, by which thou mayst easily be tempted to excess, and by that means induced to use such speeches or carriages as may be unfit for thee, or many ways hurtful to thee.
Poole: Pro 23:2 - -- Put a knife to thy throat restrain and moderate thine appetite, as if a knife or some other thing stuck in thy throat, and hindered thee from swallow...
Put a knife to thy throat restrain and moderate thine appetite, as if a knife or some other thing stuck in thy throat, and hindered thee from swallowing what thou didst desire; or as if a man stood with a knife at thy throat ready to kill thee, if thou didst transgress; or though it be as irksome to thee to do so as if thou hadst a knife put to thy throat. So this is to be understood metaphorically, as that phrase of
cutting off the right hand & c., Mat 5:29,30 . Or, For thou dost (or, lest thou shouldst , as the Syriac interpreter renders it; or, otherwise thou wilt or shouldst) put a knife to thy throat. So the sense is, When thou goest to their feasts, thou dost expose thyself to great and manifest hazards, to thy own intemperance, and to all its dangerous consequences, and to the ill effects of other men’ s intemperance.
Given to appetite prone to excess in eating and drinking.
Poole: Pro 23:3 - -- Either because they do not yield thee that satisfaction which thou didst expect from them, but rather load thee with ill humours, and the seeds of d...
Either because they do not yield thee that satisfaction which thou didst expect from them, but rather load thee with ill humours, and the seeds of divers diseases; or because they are not provided for thee with sincerity and good will, but with some evil design upon thee, either to discover and betray thee, or to enslave thee. See Poole "Pro 23:6,7" .
Poole: Pro 23:4 - -- Labour not Heb. Do not weary thyself with immoderate cares and labours , as many covetous men do.
From thine own wisdom from that carnal wisdom wh...
Labour not Heb. Do not weary thyself with immoderate cares and labours , as many covetous men do.
From thine own wisdom from that carnal wisdom which is natural to man in his corrupt estate, which persuades men to believe that it is their interest to use all possible means to get riches, and that the happiness of their lives consists in the abundance of their possessions, directly contrary to the assertion of our blessed Lord, Luk 12:15 .
Poole: Pro 23:5 - -- Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that i.e. look upon it with earnestness and greedy desire, employing the eyes of thy mind and body about it.
Which is ...
Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that i.e. look upon it with earnestness and greedy desire, employing the eyes of thy mind and body about it.
Which is not which hath no solid and settled being; which is ours to have, but not to hold; which is always upon the wing, and ofttimes gone in the twinkling of an eye, so that the owner is frequently at a loss, and cannot tell whether he hath his estate, or whether he hath lost it.
They fly away as an eagle swiftly, strongly, and irrevocably. We quickly lose the sight and possession of them. Their flying away from us is elegantly opposed to our eyes being set, or, as it is in the Hebrew, flying upon them, in the beginning of the verse.
Poole: Pro 23:6 - -- Of him that hath an evil eye of the envious or covetous man, who secretly grudgeth thee the meat which he sets before thee, as this phrase is used, P...
Poole: Pro 23:7 - -- As he thinketh in his heart so is he: you are not to judge of him by his words, for so he professeth kindness, as it follows; but by the constant tem...
As he thinketh in his heart so is he: you are not to judge of him by his words, for so he professeth kindness, as it follows; but by the constant temper of his mind, which he hath fully discovered to all that know him by the course of his life.
His heart is not with thee he hath no sincere kindness to thee, but inwardly grudgeth thee that which he outwardly offers to thee.
Poole: Pro 23:8 - -- When thou perceivest his churlish disposition and carriage, his meat will be loathsome to thee, and thou wilt wish either that thou hadst never eate...
When thou perceivest his churlish disposition and carriage, his meat will be loathsome to thee, and thou wilt wish either that thou hadst never eaten it, or that thou couldst vomit it up again.
Thy sweet words thy pleasant discourse, wherewith thou didst adorn his table, and design both to delight and profit him, is lost, and of no effect to him, and thou wilt be ready to repent of it.
Poole: Pro 23:9 - -- Speak not in the ears of a fool cast not away good counsels upon obstinate and incorrigible sinners. We have the same advice given Mat 7:6 .
He will...
Speak not in the ears of a fool cast not away good counsels upon obstinate and incorrigible sinners. We have the same advice given Mat 7:6 .
He will despise the wisdom of thy words he will scornfully reject thy wise and good admonitions.
Poole: Pro 23:10 - -- Either to take away their goods; or rather, to possess their lands, as this phrase is used, 2Sa 5:6 .
Either to take away their goods; or rather, to possess their lands, as this phrase is used, 2Sa 5:6 .
Poole: Pro 23:11 - -- Their redeemer Heb. their near kinsman , to whom it belongs to avenge their wrongs, and to recover and maintain their rights, of which see Lev 25:25...
Poole: Pro 23:12 - -- Apply thine heart unto instruction content not thyself with outward hearing or reading of it, but affectionately receive it into thine heart, and lay...
Apply thine heart unto instruction content not thyself with outward hearing or reading of it, but affectionately receive it into thine heart, and lay it up there as choice treasure.
Poole: Pro 23:13 - -- It is a likely mean to prevent their corruption, and the destruction which commonly follows it, as the next verse explains this.
It is a likely mean to prevent their corruption, and the destruction which commonly follows it, as the next verse explains this.
Poole: Pro 23:15 - -- In the good success of my counsels, and in thy piety and happiness, which is as truly desirable and pleasant to me as my own.
In the good success of my counsels, and in thy piety and happiness, which is as truly desirable and pleasant to me as my own.
Poole: Pro 23:16 - -- I shall rejoice not only in show and profession, but inwardly, and with all my soul.
I shall rejoice not only in show and profession, but inwardly, and with all my soul.
Haydock: Pro 23:1 - -- Whose father. St. Jerome has read ab avi, instead of abo, (Calmet) which is an interjection, (Bochart) alas! or it means, "trouble." Septuagint...
Whose father. St. Jerome has read ab avi, instead of abo, (Calmet) which is an interjection, (Bochart) alas! or it means, "trouble." Septuagint, "drunkenness," (Chaldean; Calmet) or "sorrow." (Protestants) ---
Falls. Septuagint, "hath sorrows." Hebrew, "babbling," (Protestants; Haydock) or discontents of mind. (Calmet) ---
Cause. Drunkards often fall upon their best friends, as Alexander did on Clytus. (Menochius)
Haydock: Pro 23:1 - -- Sit. Saul sat at table, and the custom of lying down was adopted only a little while before the captivity. It was recent among the Romans. (Calmet...
Sit. Saul sat at table, and the custom of lying down was adopted only a little while before the captivity. It was recent among the Romans. (Calmet) ---
Soliti patres considere mensis. (Virgil, Æneid vii. 170.)
Haydock: Pro 23:2 - -- Throat. Restrain intemperance and talkativeness, Ecclesiasticus xxxi. 12. Septuagint, "stretch forth thy hand, knowing that thou must prepare the ...
Throat. Restrain intemperance and talkativeness, Ecclesiasticus xxxi. 12. Septuagint, "stretch forth thy hand, knowing that thou must prepare the like; but if thou be more insatiable, ( 3. ) desire not his meats, for he has them of deceitful life." They cannot afford real happiness, (Haydock) and to vie with the rich would only reduce them to poverty, Ecclesiasticus xiii. 2. St. Augustine (tr. xlvii. in Joan.) explains this text of the blessed Eucharist, observing, that we must give our life for our brethren, as Christ did for us. Before communion, we must slay the old man, and subdue our passions. (Calmet) ---
Power. Protestants, "if thou be a man given to appetite." The situation of a courtier is very critical. (Haydock) ---
Those who eat with the kings of Persia, were nicely observed by an eunuch, lest they should cast their eyes on any of his concubines. (Lucian. de Merced.)
Deceit. Poison. He wishes to discover thy secret.
Haydock: Pro 23:4 - -- Prudence. Be more solicitous for this, than to acquire riches. (Calmet) ---
Yet this wisdom must be sober, Romans xii. 3., and 1 Timothy vi. 9. S...
Prudence. Be more solicitous for this, than to acquire riches. (Calmet) ---
Yet this wisdom must be sober, Romans xii. 3., and 1 Timothy vi. 9. Septuagint, "being poor, do not stretch forth thyself to the rich, but prudently retire,["] ver. 2. (Haydock)
Haydock: Pro 23:5 - -- Riches. Septuagint, "to him, the rich man, he no where appears. He has prepared," &c. (Haydock) ---
Like. Hebrew, "as the eagle, it will fly...
Riches. Septuagint, "to him, the rich man, he no where appears. He has prepared," &c. (Haydock) ---
Like. Hebrew, "as the eagle, it will fly," &c. (Haydock) ---
We must therefore fix our hearts on more durable goods.
Haydock: Pro 23:6 - -- Man. Hebrew, "eat not bread of an evil eye," the envious, or rather the sordid miser.
Man. Hebrew, "eat not bread of an evil eye," the envious, or rather the sordid miser.
Haydock: Pro 23:7 - -- Like. Protestants, "as he thinketh is his heart, so is he: eat," &c. (Haydock) ---
He is still convinced that his guests will ruin him: or "like o...
Like. Protestants, "as he thinketh is his heart, so is he: eat," &c. (Haydock) ---
He is still convinced that his guests will ruin him: or "like one guarding, or trembling for his soul." Septuagint, "swallowing a hair, he saith," &c. He is afraid of expense, and would allow himself as little as possible. ---
Diviner. Such endeavour to speak what may come to pass, but are full of anxiety; so the miser's words are contrary to his real sentiments, (Calmet) as the diviner knows that he is imposing on mankind. (Haydock)
Words. Thou wilt be disgusted, and repine, Ecclesiasticus xxxi. 25.
Ones. Hebrew and Septuagint, "ancient boundaries."
Haydock: Pro 23:11 - -- Kinsman. Hebrew Gaal, "tutor, defendant, or redeemer," the Lord (Haydock) himself, Leviticus xxv. 25.
Kinsman. Hebrew Gaal, "tutor, defendant, or redeemer," the Lord (Haydock) himself, Leviticus xxv. 25.
Gill: Pro 23:1 - -- When thou sittest to eat with a ruler,.... Either a supreme ruler, a king, or a subordinate ruler, a nobleman, a judge, a civil magistrate, a person o...
When thou sittest to eat with a ruler,.... Either a supreme ruler, a king, or a subordinate ruler, a nobleman, a judge, a civil magistrate, a person of honour, dignity, and authority; and to sit at table with such is sometimes allowed, and is always reckoned an honour; this particularly diligent and industrious persons are admitted to, who not only are brought to stand before kings and great persons, but to sit at table with them, and eat food with them. And now the wise man advises such how to behave themselves when this is the case:
consider diligently what is before thee; or, "considering consider" q: take special notice of the food and drink set upon the table, and consider well which may be most proper and safe to eat and drink of; for though a man may lawfully eat of whatsoever is set before him; every creature of God being good, if it be received with thanksgiving, and sanctified by the word of God and prayer; yet it is a piece of wisdom to make use of that which is most conducive to health, and less ensnaring; and to observe moderation in all, and not indulge to gluttony and drunkenness: and he should consider also who is before him, which sense the words wilt bear; the ruler that has invited him, and sits at the table with him, and take care that he says or does nothing that may give him offence; and also the noble personages that are guests with him, and behave towards them suitably to their rank and dignity; observe their words and conduct, and imitate the same; yea, even he should consider the servants and waiters that attend, lest, behaving in an indecent and disorderly manner, they should report it to his disadvantage to their ruler or others. But how much greater an honour is it to sit at table with the King of kings, and with his princes, and sup with him! when it becomes the saints, who have this honour, to consider what is set before them; the richest dainties, a feast of things, the body and blood of Christ, which should he spiritually discerned by faith; and not the elements of bread and wine only: likewise the persons before whom they are should be considered; Christ, who sits at his table, and the princes of his people with him; and therefore should not feed without fear, and in a disorderly and indecent manner, as the Corinthians are charged, but with all reverence and humility.
Gill: Pro 23:2 - -- And put a knife to thy throat,.... Refrain from too much talk at the table; give not too loose to thy tongue, but bridle it, considering in whose pres...
And put a knife to thy throat,.... Refrain from too much talk at the table; give not too loose to thy tongue, but bridle it, considering in whose presence thou art; do not use too much freedom, either with the ruler or fellow guests; which, when persons have ate and drank well, they are too apt to do, and sometimes say things offensive to one or the other; it is good for a man to be upon his guard; see Ecc 5:2. Or restrain thine appetite; deny thyself of some things agreeable, that would lead thee to what might be hurtful, at least if indulged to excess: put as it were a knife unto thine appetite, and mortify it; which is the same as cutting off a right hand, or plucking out a right eye Mat 5:29. Or while thou art at such a table, at such a sumptuous entertainment, consider thyself as in danger, as if thou hadst a knife at thy throat; and shouldest thou be too free with the food or liquor, it would be as it were cutting thine own throat;
if thou be a man given to appetite; there is then the more danger; and therefore such a person should be doubly on his guard, since he is in the way of temptation to that he is naturally inclined to. Or, "if thou art master of appetite" r: so the Targum,
"if thou art master of thy soul;''
if thou hast power over it, and the command of it, and canst restrain it with ease; to which agrees the Vulgate Latin version: but the former sense is more agreeable to the Hebrew idiom.
Gill: Pro 23:3 - -- Be not desirous of his dainties,.... His savoury food, which is very grateful to the taste, his rich provisions and royal dainties; do not lust after ...
Be not desirous of his dainties,.... His savoury food, which is very grateful to the taste, his rich provisions and royal dainties; do not lust after them, as the word s signifies, in an immoderate way, as the Israelites lusted after the fleshpots in Egypt: these may be lawfully desired, but not sinfully lusted after; and in feeding on them nature may be satisfied, and not the sensual lusts gratified in such a manner they crave, which would be criminal;
for they are deceitful meat; or, "bread of lies" t: through the pleasant and agreeable taste of them, they lead on to luxury and excess before a man is aware, and so deceive him; they promise him a great deal of pleasure, but, being too much indulged to, they produce sickness and nauseousness. Some think they are called so, from the intention and issue of them; being designed to draw out secrets, which men are very apt to divulge, when they have ate and drank freely. Some apply this to false doctrines, which are framed sometimes in a very plausible manner, and deceive the simple; are bread of lies, lies in hypocrisy, and are very pernicious; such words eat, as do a canker, instead of yielding solid nourishment.
Gill: Pro 23:4 - -- Labour not to be rich,.... In an immoderate over anxious way and manner, to a weariness, as the word u signifies, and even as to gape for breath men o...
Labour not to be rich,.... In an immoderate over anxious way and manner, to a weariness, as the word u signifies, and even as to gape for breath men ought to labour, that they may have wherewith to support themselves and families, and give to others and: if they can, lay up for their children; but then persons should not toil and weary themselves to heap up riches when they know not who shall gather them and much less make use of indirect and illicit methods to obtain them; resolving to be rich at any rate: rather men should labour for durable riches, lay up treasure in heaven, seek those things which are above, and labour to be accepted of God both here and hereafter; which only is in Christ. The Targum is,
"do not draw nigh to a rich man;''
and so the Syriac version; to which agree the Septuagint and Arabic versions;
cease from thine own wisdom; worldly wisdom in getting; riches, as if this was the highest point of wisdom; do not be always laying schemes, forming projects, inventing new things in order to get money; or do not depend upon thine own wisdom and understanding and expect to be rich by means thereof; for bread is not always to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, Ecc 9:11. The Targum is,
"but by thine understanding depart from him;''
the rich man; and to the same purpose the Syriac and Arabic versions.
Gill: Pro 23:5 - -- Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not?.... The Vulgate Latin version is,
"do not lift up thine eyes to riches which thou canst not have;'...
Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not?.... The Vulgate Latin version is,
"do not lift up thine eyes to riches which thou canst not have;''
riches no doubt are intended, and which may be said to be "not"; they are not the true riches, have only the shadow and appearance of riches; they are not lasting and durable; in a little time they will not be; they are perishing things, they have no substance or solidity in them; they are not satisfying; they do not make them happy; they are rather nonentities than realities; and therefore the eyes of the mind and the affections of the heart should not be set on them: it may be rendered, "wilt thou cause thine eyes to fly upon that which is not?" w denoting the intenseness of the mind, and the eagerness of the affections, and with what rapidity and force they move towards them. The Targum is,
"if thou fixest thine eyes on him, he shall not appear to thee;''
meaning the rich man: and so the Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic versions. Ben Melech makes mention of other senses very different; according to R. Judah, the word signifies darkness, "wilt thou make thine eyes dark?" two according to others, signifies light, "wilt thou make thine eyes to shine?" and, according to Jarchi, "wilt thou double?", or shut thine eyes?
for riches certainly make themselves wings; or, "it in making makes itself wings" x; even that which is not, on which men cause their eyes to fly; no sooner are their eyes upon that, but that flies away from them like a bird with wings; see Hos 9:11. Either men are taken from that, or that from them, and sometimes very swiftly and suddenly;
they fly away as an eagle towards heaven; the eagle flies very swiftly, none more swiftly; it flies towards heaven, out of sight, and out of reach, and out of call; so riches flee away to God, the original giver of them, from whence they came, and who is the sole disposer of them; they own him as the proprietor and distributor of them; and they flee to heaven as it were for fresh orders where they should be, and into whose hands they should come next; they flee away, so as not to be seen any more, and be recovered by those who have formerly enjoyed them.
Gill: Pro 23:6 - -- Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye,.... A sordid covetous man, that grudges every bit that is eaten, in opposition to a man of a goo...
Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye,.... A sordid covetous man, that grudges every bit that is eaten, in opposition to a man of a good eye, or a bountiful one, that is liberal and generous, Pro 22:9; if he invites to a meal, do not accept of it, sit not down at his table to eat with him:
neither desire thou his dainty meats; or savoury food, so as to lust after it; See Gill on Pro 23:3.
Gill: Pro 23:7 - -- For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he,.... He is not the man his mouth speaks or declares him to be, but what his heart thinks; which is discover...
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he,.... He is not the man his mouth speaks or declares him to be, but what his heart thinks; which is discovered by his looks and actions, and by which he is to be judged of, and not by his words;
eat and drink, saith he to thee, but his heart is not with thee; he bids you eat and drink, but he does not desire you should, at least but very sparingly; it is only a mere compliment, not a hearty welcome.
Gill: Pro 23:8 - -- The morsel which thou hast eaten, shalt thou vomit up,.... It shall turn in thy stomach, thou shall not be able to keep it, when thou understandest t...
The morsel which thou hast eaten, shalt thou vomit up,.... It shall turn in thy stomach, thou shall not be able to keep it, when thou understandest thou art not welcome; or thou wilt wish thou hadst never eaten a bit, or that thou couldest vomit up what thou hast; so disagreeable is the thought of being unwelcome, or when this appears to be the case;
and lose thy sweet words; expressed in thankfulness to the master of the feast, in praise of his food, in pleasantry with him, and the other guests at table; all which are repented of when a man finds he is not welcome.
Gill: Pro 23:9 - -- Speak not in the ears of a fool,.... For it is only beating the air, and speaking to the wind; it is casting pearls before swine, and that which is ho...
Speak not in the ears of a fool,.... For it is only beating the air, and speaking to the wind; it is casting pearls before swine, and that which is holy to dogs. By the "fool" is meant a wicked man, one abandoned to sin, and hardened in it; that scoffs at all admonitions and reproofs, that derides the word, and the preachers of it, and makes a mock at all good men, and everything they say; and therefore what is serious and sacred should not be said to them, since it only becomes the object of their banter and ridicule;
for he will despise the wisdom of thy words; not only the words of doctrine, reproof, and correction, but the "wisdom" of them; or let them be ever so wisely spoken; for if the wisdom of God and his words, the truths of the Gospel, are foolishness with such, and despised by them, then much more the wisdom even of the best of men, and the wisest things they say; yea, when they deliver the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom, the Gospel of Christ, which therefore should be spoken among them that are perfect, 1Co 1:24.
Gill: Pro 23:10 - -- Remove not the old landmark,.... See Gill on Pro 22:28;
and enter not into the fields of the fatherless; to carry off the increase of them, to reap...
Remove not the old landmark,.... See Gill on Pro 22:28;
and enter not into the fields of the fatherless; to carry off the increase of them, to reap their wheat, or mow their grass, or turn in cattle to eat it; or to encroach upon them, take in any part of them, or join the whole to their own; for if there is a woe to them that lay field to field, much more to them that enter into and take the fields of the fatherless, and join them to their own, Isa 5:8.
Gill: Pro 23:11 - -- For their Redeemer is mighty,.... As he must needs be, since the Lord of hosts is his name; who sympathizes with them, has mercy on them, is their fa...
For their Redeemer is mighty,.... As he must needs be, since the Lord of hosts is his name; who sympathizes with them, has mercy on them, is their father, and their friend; see Jer 50:34;
he shall plead their cause with thee; or "against thee", as the Vulgate Latin version; and will certainly carry it for them, and against thee; for, when he undertakes a cause, he pleads it thoroughly.
Gill: Pro 23:12 - -- Apply thine heart unto instruction,.... To the instruction of parents, and to the instruction of ministers of the word; to the Scriptures, which are p...
Apply thine heart unto instruction,.... To the instruction of parents, and to the instruction of ministers of the word; to the Scriptures, which are profitable to instruction in righteousness; to the instruction of wisdom, or to the Gospel of Christ, which instructs in things relating to him, and to salvation by him: or, "bring in thine heart to instruction" y; not only bring thy body to the place of instruction, the house of God, but bring thine heart thither also;
and thine ears to the words of knowledge; the doctrines of the Gospel, which are the means of the knowledge of God and Christ, and of all divine, spiritual, and heavenly tidings; and of a growth in the knowledge of them; and therefore should be diligently hearkened and cordially attended to.
Gill: Pro 23:13 - -- Withhold not correction from the child,.... When he has committed a fault, and correction is necessary; for to spare it is the ruin of the child, and ...
Withhold not correction from the child,.... When he has committed a fault, and correction is necessary; for to spare it is the ruin of the child, and no proof of true affection in the parent, but the reverse; see Pro 13:24;
for, if thou beatest him with a rod, he shall not die; if he be beaten moderately, there is no danger of his dying under the rod, or with the stripes given him; besides, such moderate and proper corrections may be a means of preserving him from such crimes as would bring him to a shameful and untimely death, and so he shall not die such a death; and by such means, through the grace of God, he may escape the second, or eternal death.
Gill: Pro 23:14 - -- Thou shall beat him with the rod,.... Or, correct him with the stripes of the children of men, in a moderate and suitable manner, proportionable to th...
Thou shall beat him with the rod,.... Or, correct him with the stripes of the children of men, in a moderate and suitable manner, proportionable to the fault committed; and as he is able to bear it, both as to body and mind;
and shalt deliver his soul from hell; be a means of preventing those sins which would bring to hell and destruction; and of bringing to repentance for those committed; and so of saving his soul, which should be the chief thing parents should have in view in chastising their children; the salvation of whose souls should be dear unto them, as it is to all truly gracious and thoughtful ones.
Gill: Pro 23:15 - -- My son, if thine heart be wise,.... To that which is good; so as from it to understand in a spiritual and experimental manner things divine and heaven...
My son, if thine heart be wise,.... To that which is good; so as from it to understand in a spiritual and experimental manner things divine and heavenly; he may be said to have a wise heart who knows in some measure what his heart is, the wickedness, the original depravity and corruption, of it; the plague of his own heart; the weakness and inability of it to do that which is good; the insufficiency of his own righteousness to justify him before God; the poverty of his spirit, and the folly of his mind: and who also is wise unto salvation; that knows the way of peace, pardon, righteousness, and salvation by Christ; and who applies to him for the same; builds on him, the foundation; prizes and values him; rejoices in him, and gives him the glory of his salvation; receives his doctrines, and obeys his commands; takes up and makes a profession of him on right principles, and walks wisely, becoming his character and profession;
my heart shall rejoice, even mine; it shall certainly and greatly rejoice; these words are spoken either by Solomon, who had a wise heart himself, and that either to his son, for whom he desired the same, nothing being more rejoicing to pious parents than to see their children becomes wise, especially in spiritual things; or else to those that attended on him for instruction, who was a preacher in Jerusalem; and what is the joy and crown of rejoicing of ministers but their converts, and to see them walking in the truth? 1Th 2:19, 3Jo 1:4; or these words are spoken by Wisdom, that is, by Christ, to his children; who rejoices when he has found them, or when they are converted, and become wise in a spiritual sense, and walk worthy, whereby Wisdom is justified of her children, Luk 15:5; yea, there is joy in heaven, joy among the angels there, and even in the father of Christ, and of his people, Luk 15:7.
Gill: Pro 23:16 - -- Yea, my reins shall rejoice,.... Which is only another phrase expressive of the same thing, and confirming the greatness of joy on the above occasion;...
Yea, my reins shall rejoice,.... Which is only another phrase expressive of the same thing, and confirming the greatness of joy on the above occasion; not only his heart rejoiced, which was affectionately concerned for his son, near which he lay, the desires of which were frequently drawn out for his good, but his reins also; the seat of the afflictions rejoiced at it; showing how vehement, sincere, and hearty the joy was;
when thy lips speak right things; as they will, when the heart is wise; things agreeably to right reason, to the Scriptures of truth, the oracles of God; to the law and to the testimony; to the Gospel of Christ, and the doctrines of it; and such things as are savoury, pleasant, and profitable, and minister grace to the hearers. The Targum is,
"when my lips speak right things;''
see Pro 8:6.
expand allCommentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes -> Pro 23:1; Pro 23:1; Pro 23:2; Pro 23:2; Pro 23:3; Pro 23:3; Pro 23:3; Pro 23:4; Pro 23:5; Pro 23:5; Pro 23:5; Pro 23:6; Pro 23:7; Pro 23:7; Pro 23:7; Pro 23:8; Pro 23:8; Pro 23:8; Pro 23:9; Pro 23:9; Pro 23:10; Pro 23:11; Pro 23:11; Pro 23:11; Pro 23:12; Pro 23:14; Pro 23:14; Pro 23:14; Pro 23:15; Pro 23:16; Pro 23:16
NET Notes: Pro 23:3 Verses 1-3 form the sixth saying about being cautious before rulers (cf. Instruction of Amememope, chap. 23, 23:13-18). One should not get too familia...
NET Notes: Pro 23:4 Heb “from your understanding cease.” In the context this means that the person should have enough understanding to stop wearing himself ou...
NET Notes: Pro 23:5 This seventh saying warns people not to expend all their energy trying to get rich because riches are fleeting (cf. Instruction of Amememope, chap. 7,...
NET Notes: Pro 23:6 Heb “an evil eye.” This is the opposite of the “good eye” which meant the generous man. The “evil eye” refers to a...
NET Notes: Pro 23:8 This is the eighth saying; it claims that it would be a mistake to accept hospitality from a stingy person. He is always thinking about the cost, his ...
NET Notes: Pro 23:9 Saying number nine indicates that wisdom is wasted on a fool. The literature of Egypt has no specific parallel to this one.
NET Notes: Pro 23:11 This is the tenth saying; once again there is a warning not to encroach on other people’s rights and property, especially the defenseless (see v...
NET Notes: Pro 23:12 Heb “bring.” The Hiphil imperative “come; enter” means “to apply the heart,” to use the heart or mind in the proce...
NET Notes: Pro 23:15 Heb “my son,” although the context does not limit this exhortation to male children.
NET Notes: Pro 23:16 This twelfth saying simply observes that children bring joy to their parents when they demonstrate wisdom. The quatrain is arranged in a chiastic stru...
Geneva Bible: Pro 23:1 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, ( a ) consider diligently what [is] before thee:
( a ) Eat with sobriety.
Geneva Bible: Pro 23:2 ( b ) And put a knife to thy throat, if thou [art] a man given to appetite.
( b ) Bridle your appetite, as if by force and violence.
Geneva Bible: Pro 23:3 Be not desirous of his dainties: ( c ) for they [are] deceitful food.
( c ) For often the rich when they bid their inferiors to their tables, it is n...
Geneva Bible: Pro 23:4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thy own ( d ) wisdom.
( d ) Bestow not the gifts that God has given you, to get worldly riches.
Geneva Bible: Pro 23:6 Eat thou not the bread of [him that hath] an ( e ) evil eye, neither desire thou his delicacies:
( e ) That is, covetous, as contrary a good eye is t...
Geneva Bible: Pro 23:8 The ( f ) morsel [which] thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.
( f ) He will not cease till he has done you some harm, and h...
Geneva Bible: Pro 23:14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from ( g ) hell.
( g ) That is, from destruction.
expand allCommentary -- Verse Range Notes
Maclaren -> Pro 23:15-23
Maclaren: Pro 23:15-23 - --A Condensed Guide For Life
My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine. 16. Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak ri...
MHCC: Pro 23:4-5 - --Be not of those that will be rich. The things of this world are not happiness and a portion for a soul; those that hold them ever so fast, cannot hold...
MHCC: Pro 23:6-8 - --Do not make thyself burdensome to any, especially those not sincere. When we are called by God to his feast, and to let our souls delight themselves, ...
MHCC: Pro 23:9 - --It is our duty to take all fit occasions to speak of Divine things; but if what a wise man says will not be heard, let him hold his peace.
MHCC: Pro 23:10-11 - --The fatherless are taken under God's special protection. He is their Redeemer, who will take their part; and he is mighty, almighty.
MHCC: Pro 23:12-16 - --Here is a parent instructing his child to give his mind to the Scriptures. Here is a parent correcting his child: accompanied with prayer, and blessed...
Matthew Henry: Pro 23:1-3 - -- The sin we are here warned against is luxury and sensuality, and the indulgence of the appetite in eating and drinking, a sin that most easily beset...
Matthew Henry: Pro 23:4-5 - -- As some are given to appetite (Pro 23:2) so others to covetousness, and those Solomon here takes to task. Men cheat themselves as much by setting th...
Matthew Henry: Pro 23:6-8 - -- Those that are voluptuous and given to appetite (Pro 23:2) are glad to be where there is good cheer stirring, and those that are covetous and saving...
Matthew Henry: Pro 23:9 - -- We are here directed not to cast pearls before swine (Mat 7:6) and not to expose things sacred to the contempt and ridicule of profane scoffers. I...
Matthew Henry: Pro 23:10-11 - -- Note, 1. The fatherless are taken under God's special protection; with him they not only find mercy shown to them (Hos 14:3) but justice done for th...
Matthew Henry: Pro 23:12-16 - -- Here is, 1. A parent instructing his child. He is here brought in persuading him to give his mind to his book, and especially to the scriptures and ...
Keil-Delitzsch -> Pro 23:1-3; Pro 23:4-5; Pro 23:6-8; Pro 23:9; Pro 23:10-11; Pro 23:12; Pro 23:13-14; Pro 23:15-16
Keil-Delitzsch: Pro 23:1-3 - --
Pro 22:29, which speaks of a high position near the king, is appropriately followed by a hexastich referring to the slipperiness of the smooth groun...
Keil-Delitzsch: Pro 23:4-5 - --
All the forms of proverbs run through these appended proverbs. There now follows a pentastich:
4 Do not trouble thyself to become rich;
Cease from...
Keil-Delitzsch: Pro 23:6-8 - --
There now follows a proverb with unequally measured lines, perhaps a heptastich:
6 Eat not the bread of the jealous,
And let not thyself lust afte...
Keil-Delitzsch: Pro 23:9 - --
Another case in which good words are lost:
Speak not to the ears of a fool,
For he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
To speak in the ears of ...
Keil-Delitzsch: Pro 23:10-11 - --
The following proverb forms a new whole from component parts of Pro 22:28 and Pro 22:22.:
10 Remove not ancient landmarks;
And into the fields of ...
Keil-Delitzsch: Pro 23:12 - --
The following proverb warrants us to pause here, for it opens up, as a compendious echo of Pro 22:17-21, a new series of proverbs of wisdom:
12 App...
Keil-Delitzsch: Pro 23:13-14 - --
13 Withhold not correction from the child;
For thou will beat him with the rod, and he will not die.
14 Thou beatest him with the rod,
And with i...
Keil-Delitzsch: Pro 23:15-16 - --
The following proverb passes from the educator to the pupil:
15 My son, if thine heart becometh wise,
My heart also in return will rejoice;
16 An...
Constable: Pro 22:17--25:1 - --III. WISE SAYINGS 22:17--24:34
A third major section of the Book of Proverbs begins with 22:17. This is clear fr...
Constable: Pro 22:17--24:23 - --A. Thirty Sayings of the Wise 22:17-24:22
Many scholars have called attention to the similarities betwee...
Constable: Pro 22:22--23:12 - --The first 10 sayings 22:22-23:11
22:22-23 Note the chiastic structure in these four lines that unifies the thought of the passage: violence, litigatio...
Constable: Pro 23:12 - --Introduction to the last 20 sayings 23:12
We should probably take this verse as a genera...
Constable: Pro 23:13--24:23 - --The last 20 sayings 23:13-24:22
23:13-14 The sage again advocated discipline. Beating with a rod is not the only form of discipline advocated in Prove...
expand allIntroduction / Outline
JFB: Proverbs (Book Introduction) THE NATURE AND USE OF PROVERBS.--A proverb is a pithy sentence, concisely expressing some well-established truth susceptible of various illustrations ...
TSK: Proverbs (Book Introduction) The wisdom of all ages, from the highest antiquity, has chosen to compress and communicate its lessons in short, compendious sentences, and in poetic ...
TSK: Proverbs 23 (Chapter Introduction) Overview
Poole: Proverbs 23 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 23
MHCC: Proverbs (Book Introduction) The subject of this book may be thus stated by an enlargement on the opening verses. 1. The Proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel. 2. ...
Matthew Henry: Proverbs (Book Introduction) An Exposition, With Practical Observations, of The Proverbs
We have now before us, I. A new author, or penman rather, or pen (if you will) made use o...
Constable: Proverbs (Book Introduction) Introduction
Title
The title of this book in the Hebrew Bible is "The Proverbs of Solo...
Constable: Proverbs (Outline) Outline
I. Discourses on wisdom chs. 1-9
A. Introduction to the book 1:1-7
...
Constable: Proverbs Proverbs
Bibliography
Aitken, Kenneth T. Proverbs. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1986.
Alden...
Haydock: Proverbs (Book Introduction) THE BOOK OF PROVERBS.
INTRODUCTION.
This book is so called, because it consists of wise and weighty sentences, regulating the morals of men; and...
Gill: Proverbs (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS
This book is called, in some printed Hebrew copies, "Sepher Mishle", the Book of Proverbs; the title of it in the Vulgate ...
