Insincerity in Friendship
E. Johnson Proverbs 27:14 He that blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him. The picture is that of one who indulges in the noisy ostentation of friendship, without having the reality of it at his heart. I. EXCESS IN PRAISE OR BLAME IS TO BE GUARDED AGAINST. Luther shrewdly observes, "He who loudly scolds, praises; and he who excessively praises, scolds. They are not believed because they exaggerate." Too great praise is half blame. Language should be used with sobriety and temperance. II. INSINCERITY IS SUBJECT TO A CURSE. It is odious to God and to man. One of the constant moral trials of life is in the observance of the golden mean of conduct in social relations - to be agreeable without flattery, and sincere without rudeness. Here, as ever, we must walk in the bright light of our Saviour's example, the All-loving, yet the All-faithtul. - J. Parallel Verses KJV: He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him. WEB: He who blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse by him.