Annotations upon the Holy Bible. Vol. I wherein the sacred text is inserted, and various readings annex'd, together with parallel scriptures, the more difficult terms in each verse are explained, seeming contradictions reconciled, questions and doubts resolved, and the whole text opened / by the late reverend and learned divine Mr. Matthew Poole.

CHAP. XXVI.

1 AS snow in summer, and as rain in harvest a 1.1, so honour is not seemly for a fool b 1.2.

2 As the bird by wandring c 1.3, as the swallow by fly∣ing, so the curse causless shall not come d.* 1.4

3 * 1.5 A whip for the horse, a bridle e 1.6 for the ass, and a rod f 1.7 for the fools back.

4 Answer not a fool g 1.8 according to his folly h 1.9, lest thou also be like unto him i 1.10.

5 Answer a fool according to his folly k 1.11, lest he be wise in † 1.12 his own conceit l 1.13.

6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool m 1.14, cutteth off the feet n 1.15, and drinketh ‖ 1.16 damage o 1.17.

7 The legs of the lame † 1.18 are not equal p 1.19, so is a pa∣rable in the mouth of fools q 1.20.

8 ‖ 1.21 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling r 1.22, so is he that giveth honour to a fool s 1.23.

9 As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard t 1.24, so u 1.25 is a parable in the mouth of fools.

10 ‖ 1.26 The great God that formed all things, both re∣wardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors x 1.27.

11 * 1.28 As a dog returneth to his vomit y 1.29, so a fool † 1.30 returneth to his folly z 1.31.

12 * 1.32 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit a 1.33? there is more hope of a fool b 1.34 than of him.

13 The slothful man saith b 1.35, there is a lion in the way, a lion is in the streets.

14 As the door turneth upon his hinges c 1.36, so doth the slothful upon his bed.

15 * 1.37 The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom, ‖ 1.38 it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth d 1.39.

16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit e 1.40, than seven men that can render a reason f 1.41.

17 He that passeth by g 1.42, and ‖ 1.43 meddleth with strife belonging not to him h 1.44, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears i 1.45.

18 As † 1.46 a mad man k 1.47 who casteth † 1.48 fire-brands l 1.49, arrows, and death m 1.50:

19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport n 1.51?

20 † 1.52 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out; so * 1.53 where there is no ‖ 1.54 tale-bearer o 1.55, the † 1.56 strife ceaseth.

21 * 1.57 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man p 1.58 to kindle strife.

22 The words of a tale-bearer are as wounds, and they go down into the † 1.59 innermost parts of the belly q 1.60.

23 Burning r 1.61 lips, and a wicked heart, are like a potsherd covered with silver dross s 1.62.

24 He that hateth ‖ 1.63 dissembleth t 1.64 with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him.

25 When he † 1.65 speaketh fair, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart.

26 ‖ 1.66 Whose hatred is covered by deceit u 1.67, his wick∣edness shall be shewed before the whole congregati∣on x 1.68.

27 * 1.69 Whoso diggeth a pjt y 1.70 shall fall therein, and he that rolleth a stone z 1.71 it will return upon him.

28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it ‖ 1.72, and a flattering mouth † 1.73 worketh ruine.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Unbecoming and unseasonable.
• b 1.2

  Because he neither de∣serves it, nor knows how to use it, but his folly is both increased and publickly manifested by it.
• c 1.3

  From place to place, by its perpetual restlesness, it secures it self from the Fowler that he cannot shoot at it, nor spread his Net over it.
• * 1.4

  f To wit, upon the innocent Person, but he shall escape from it like a Bird, &c.
• * 1.5

  Ps. 32. 9. Ch. 10. 13▪
• e 1.6

  Which was very proper and usual for an Ass, when they rode upon it, (as the Iews most commonly did) though not to restrain him from running away, which is the principal use of it in Horses, yet that the Rider might rule and guide him, which was very ne∣cessary for that stupid Creature. Although the ancient Interpre∣ters render it a Goad, or Spur, or somthing of the like Nature and use.
• f 1.7

  Which is most proper and necessary for him. Not words, but blows, must make him better.
• g 1.8

  How can these contrary rules be reconciled, answer him not, and answer him? Ans. Easily, by considering the difference of Persons, and Times, and Places, and other circumstances, and of the manner of answering. And such seemingly contradictory Pre∣cepts are not onely used by, but are esteemed Elegant in, other Authors, Answer him not, when he is incorrigible, or when he is enflamed with Passion or Wine, &c. or when it is not necessary, nor likely to do him good. Answer him, when he is capable of receiving good by it, or when it is necessary for the glory of God, or for the discharge of a Man's duty, or for the good of others.
• h 1.9

  So as to imitate his folly, by such passionate, or reproachful, or foolish speeches as he useth to thee.
• i 1.10

  Shew thy self to be as great a fool as he.
• k 1.11

  So as his folly needs and requires, convincing him strongly, reproving him sharply, exposing him to just shame, and correct∣ing him with a Rod, when he deserves it, and thou hast a just power to use it.
• † 1.12

  Heb. his own eyes.
• l 1.13

  Lest thy silence make him arrogant and pre∣sumptuous, as if his words were unanswerable.
• m 1.14

  He that employeth a Fool upon any important Errant or Busi∣ness which is too hard for him.
• n 1.15

  To wit, of his Messenger, he bids one go that wants Legs, he sends one who wants that discreti∣on, which is as necessary for that employment as Legs are for going.
• ‖ 1.16

  Or, violen•…•….
• o 1.17

  He bringeth upon himself abundance of loss and mischief, not onely spoiling that business about which he sends him, but making himself contemptible to the Person to whom he sends him, and to others with him, as if he had not common prudence to chuse a fit Messenger, and giving occasion by the folly of his Messenger to further misunderstandings, and jealousies, and inconveniences. For the Phrase, we may observe that drinking in Scripture fre∣quently notes the plentiful doing or receiving of any thing, as they who multiply sins are said to drink Iniquity like Water, Iob 15. 16. & 34. 7. and they who are greatly afflicted are commonly said to drink the Cup.
• † 1.18

  Heb. are lift∣ed up.
• p 1.19

  Heb. As (which note of similitude is plainly understood from the particle, so, in the following clause) the legs of the lame are lifted up, to wit, in going, or rather in dancing, which is done with great inequality and uncomeliness.
• q 1.20

  No less absurd and inde∣cent are wise and pious speeches from a foolish and ungodly man, whose actions grosly contradict them, whereby he makes them contemptible, and himself ridiculous.
• ‖ 1.21

  Or, As he that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a precious stone in an heap of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• r 1.22

  Whereby he hinders his own design of throwing the stone out of it. Or, who fastens it there only for a season, that he may speedily and violently throw it away. Or, as it is rendred in our margent, and by many others, As he that putteth a precious stone (Heb. a stone, which is oft emphatically used for a precious stone, both in Scripture, as Exod. 39. 10. 1 Chron. 29. 8. and elsewhere, and also in other Authors) in an heap of stones, where it is obscured and lost.
• s 1.23

  No less absurd is he that giveth to a Fool that Honour and Praise which he is not capable either of receiving, or retaining, or using aright, but it is quite wasted upon him, and doth him more hurt than good.
• t 1.24

  As a thorn is in a Drunkards hand, which he cannot hold and manage cautiously, but employeth to his own and others hurt.
• u 1.25

  As improper and unprofitable, and, by accident, hurtful to him∣self and others. See on v. 7.
• ‖ 1.26

  Or, a great man grieveth all, he hireth the fool, he hi∣reth also trans∣gressors.
• x 1.27

  God, who is oft called great, as Psal. 86. 10. & 135. 5. &c. and is described by the name of the most high, as Ps. 9. 2. & 21. 7. &c. who created all things, and therefore observeth and governeth all men and things, will certainly give that recompence which is meet for, and deserved by Fools and Transgressors, i. e. by such as sin either through ignorance and heedlesness, or wilfully and wickedly. Or, as it is in the margent, A great man (A Prince or Potentate, who are called by this title, Esth. 1. 8. Dan. 1. 3. &c.) grieveth (as this word is used, Isa. 51. 9. & 53. 5. and elsewhere) all (to wit, all that are subject to him, or all that stand in his way) he hireth (as this word most commonly signifies) the fools, he hireth al∣so transgressors. So the sense is It is the manner of many Princes to vex and oppress their Subjects, which because they cannot do by themselves alone, they hire others, both fools, who do not know or consider what they do, and transgressors, who are ready to exe∣cute all their commands, right or wrong, that they may be their instruments in that work.
• * 1.28

  2 Pet. 2. 22.
• y 1.29

  To lick up that which he had lately vomited, forgetting how burdensom and vexatious it was to him.
• † 1.30

  Heb. itera∣teth his folly.
• z 1.31

  Such like is the impu∣dence and madness of sinners, who having smarted for their sins, and been forced to forsake them for a time, do afterwards return to the commission of them.
• * 1.32

  Ch. 29. 20.
• a 1.33

  Who, being a fool, thinks himself wise, and therefore scorn∣eth the counsels of others.
• b 1.34

  Of doing good to one who is a fool, and sensible of his folly, and ready to receive instruction.
• b 1.35

  To excuse his idleness and keeping himself at home. See on Ch. 22. 13.
• c 1.36

  Moving hither and thither upon it, but not removing one jot from its place.
• * 1.37

  Ch. 19. 24.
• ‖ 1.38

  Or, he is wea∣ry.
• d 1.39

  He will not take the least pains for the most necessary things.
• e 1.40

  Because by his idleness he avoids those troubles and dangers to which other men by their activity expose themselves, forgetting in the mean time what reproach and loss, and how much greater mis∣chiefs, both here, and hereafter, are brought upon him by his slothfulness.
• f 1.41

  To wit, a satisfactory reason of all their actions, i. e. who are truly wise men.
• g 1.42

  Who is going upon the way, and about his business: But this word is by some referred to the last clause, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears as he is passing by him, without any thought of doing him harm; which agrees very well both with the order of the words in the Hebrew Text, and with the matter of the other clause to which this similitude is referred.
• ‖ 1.43

  Or, is 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• h 1.44

  In which he is not concerned, nor any way obliged to meddle.
• i 1.45

  Exposeth himself to great and needless hazards, as a man that causelesly provoketh a Mastiff dog against himself.
• † 1.46

  Heb. one that maketh himself mad.
• k 1.47

  As one feigneth himself mad, that under that pretence he may do mischief with impunity.
• † 1.48

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or sp•…•…ks.
• l 1.49

  To hurt his Neighbours person, or to consume his House or Goods.
• m 1.50

  Any instruments of death.
• n 1.51

  That wrongs him under a false pretence of kindness and fami∣liarity.
• † 1.52

  Heb. with∣out wood.
• * 1.53

  Ch. 22. 10.
• ‖ 1.54

  Or, 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• o 1.55

  To carry such reports from one to another, as may provoke them to mutual rage and strife.
• † 1.56

  Heb. is 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.57

  Ch. 1•…•…. 18. & 29, 22.
• p 1.58

  Heb. a man of contentions, that loveth and giveth himself up to contentions.
• † 1.59

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• q 1.60

  This was delivered before, Ch. 18. 8. and is here repeated as being a point of great concernment to the Peace and Welfare of all societies, and fit to be oft and earnestly pressed upon the con∣sciences of men, because of their great and general proneness to this sin.
• r 1.61

  Either 1. With Love. Words delivered with shew of true and fervent affection. Or rather 2. With Malice or hatred. A slanderous or evil Tongue: For this word is constantly used in a bad sense, and notes the heat of Rage and Persecution.
• s 1.62

  Such a Tongue and Heart are of no real worth, although somtimes they make a shew of it, as Dross doth of Silver.
• ‖ 1.63

  Or, is 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• t 1.64

  Or, carrieth himself like another man, pretends Love and Kind∣ness; which sense seems to agree best both with the next clause of this verse, and with the two following verses.
• † 1.65

  Heb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his voice gra∣cious.
• ‖ 1.66

  Or, hatred 〈◊〉〈◊〉 covered in se∣cret.
• u 1.67

  With false professions of Love.
• x 1.68

  Instead of that secrecy and impunity which by this art he designed and promised to him∣self, he shall be brought to publick shame and punishment.
• * 1.69

  Ps. 7. 15, 16 & 9. 15. & 57. 6. Eccles. 10. •…•…
• y 1.70

  That another may fall into it. It is a metaphor from Hunters who used to dig deep pits, and then to cover them sleightly with earth, that wild Beasts passing that way, might fall into them, and somtimes in the heat of pursuit fell into them themselves.
• z 1.71

  To wit, up the hill with design to do mischief to some person or thing with it.
• ‖ 1.72

  Because by his calumnies he hath made them his enemies.
• † 1.73

  Which though it be more smooth and plausible than a slander∣ing mouth yet is in truth no less pernicious, betraying others either to sin, or to danger and mischief.