Attributed commentary excerpt
John Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:6
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
Most men will proclaim everyone his own goodness, etc.] As the Pharisee did, in (<421811>Luke 18:11,12); and as the Pharisees in common did; who did all their works to be seen of men, and made clean the outside of the cup and platter; and were very careful to appear outwardly righteous to men, (<402305>Matthew 23:5,25,28). And indeed this is the general cast of men; everyone is proclaiming his goodness to others, and would be thought to be good men; and cannot be easy with doing a good action, unless it is known, and particularly acts of beneficence and alms deeds; and are like the Pharisees, who, on such occasions, sounded a trumpet before them, (<400602>Matthew 6:2). And the word may be rendered, “his mercy”f556, or his kindness to the poor: the Targum renders it, “many of the children of men are called merciful men;” and so the Vulgate Latin version; and they like to be so called and accounted, whether they are so or not; but a faithful man who can find? who answers to the character he gives of himself, or others upon his own representation give him; who is as good as his word, and, having promised assistance and relief, gives it; and who, having boasted that he has done a kindness to such an one and such an one, does the same likewise to another when applied to; or who sticks to his friend, and does not forsake him in his adversity, but supports and supplies him whom he knew in prosperity; it is hard and rare to find such a man; (see <191201>Psalm 12:1). Or, though every man is talking of his good works, and boasting of his goodness, it is difficult to find an Israelite indeed, in whom the true grace of God is.
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