Nor is it only the self-conceit which pushes forward among the great that is reproved, lest a greater humiliation befall one. A contentious spirit is also to be shunned.
“Go not forth hastily to strive, lest [thou know not] what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbor hath put thee to shame.
Debate thy cause with thy neighbor, but reveal not the secret of another;
Lest he that heareth disgrace thee, and thine ill-report turn not away.
Apples of gold in baskets (or, pictures) of silver [is] a word spoken in season (or, fitly).
An ear-ring of gold and an ornament of fine gold [is] a wise reprover on an attentive ear.
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest [is] a faithful messenger to those that send him; for he refresheth the soul of his masters.
Clouds and wind without rain is whoso boasteth of a false gift” (vers. 8-14).
Haste exposes to all sorts of mistakes, especially when it takes the form of strife with another, who can soon convict of error where it was least suspected to the shame of the too confident censor, when he looks in vain for a retreat and hiding-place.
One may discuss with a neighbor what concerns us deeply, but must beware of betraying what is somehow learned to his injury.
Otherwise its disclosure will disgrace him that spreads it so that the ill-effect will long abide.
On the other hand a word spoken to the point, or in season, is here compared to apples of gold in baskets of silver: fruit of divine righteousness served up with befitting grace.
Nor is it so with so blessed a display of what is precious; for a wise reprover on an attentive ear is a prized object and an ornament of great value.
Again, a faithful messenger in a world of unfaithfulness is an exceeding comfort to those that send him, here compared to the cold of snow in the time of harvest. He does indeed refresh the soul of his masters.
Whereas he who boasts of a false gift, or falsely giving, convicts himself as a sham, like clouds and wind without rain.
These painful, mischievous, and disappointing qualities are among the still more numerous evil ways of the first man. Whatever the good things set in contrast, they are seen in full perfection in the Lord Jesus, the Second man. And they are the exercises and manifestations of the new life in the believer, which our Father would have us diligently to cultivate.