Proverbs 19:24

“He that saith unto the wicked, Thou [art] righteous, etc.] Not in a private way, or as giving his opinion or character of a man that is wicked, whom either through ignorance or flattery another may call righteous; which may be done and not resented by people and nations; but in an open court of judicature pronounced by the judge, justifying the wicked for reward, and condemning the just, which is an abomination unto the Lord; (see <201715>Proverbs 17:15 <230523>Isaiah 5:23); nor should the ministers of the Gospel flatter the wicked, and call them righteous and good men, and strengthen their hands in their wickedness, promising them life though they continue in their evil ways; for though God…”

“bosom--literally, a wide dish in which the hand was plunged in eating (Mat 26:23). Compare Pro 26:15, the sentiment expressed with equal irony and less exaggeration.”

“Hideth his hand in his bosom - Better, dippeth his hand in the dish (compare 2 Kings 21:13). The scene brought before us is that of an Eastern feast. There are no knives, or forks, or spoons. Every guest has to help himself, or be helped by the host. Compare John 13:26. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Bring it - To feed himself; he expects that the meat should drop into his mouth. Proverbs 19:25”

“19:24 // 26:15 This proverb is a humorous comment on the foolishness of being lazy (see also 10:4-6, 26; 12:11, 27; 13:4; 15:19; 18:9).”

“Pro 19:15, Pro 6:9, Pro 6:10, Pro 12:27, Pro 15:19, Pro 24:30-34, Pro 26:13-16; Psa 74:11 Proverbs 19:25”

“24 The slothful hath thrust his hand into the dish; He bringeth it not again to his mouth. This proverb is repeated in a different form, Pro 26:15. The figure appears, thus understood, an hyperbole, on which account the lxx understand by צלחת the bosom or lap, κόλπον; Aquila and Symmachus understand by it the arm-pit, μασχάλην or μάλην; and the Jewish interpreters gloss it by חיק (Kimchi) or קרע החלוק, the slit (Ita. fenditura) of the shirt. But the domestic figure, Kg2 21:13, places before us a dish which, when it is empty, is wiped and turned upside down; (Note: While צפּחת, ṣaḥfat, in the sense of dish, is etymologically clear, for צלּחת, neither ṣalaḥ (to be good for), nor salakh…”