Laughter because of paradox

LAUGHTER BECAUSE OF PARADOX
EDITED BY GLENN PEASE
Proverbs 27:14 14 If anyone loudly blesses their
neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a
curse.
It is possible for a blessing to be a curse, and that is what this verse is all
about, and it is laughable because the friend thinks he is being very nice and
thoughtful, but he is, in fact, a beg pain in the neck. His timing is folly and
aggrevating to the one he is trying to bless.
BIBLEHUB RESOURCES
Pulpit Commentary Homiletics
Insincerity In Friendship
Proverbs 27:14
E. Johnson
The picture is that of one who indulges in the noisy ostentationof 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
excessivelypraises,scolds. Theyare not believed because theyexaggerate."

Too greatpraise is half blame. Language should be used with sobriety and
temperance.
II. INSINCERITYIS SUBJECT TO A CURSE. It is odious to God and to
man. One of the constantmoral trials of life is in the observance ofthe golden
mean of conduct in socialrelations - 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.
Biblical Illustrator
He that blessethhis friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it
shall be counted a curse to him.
Proverbs 27:14
The curse of ostentatious flattery
Homilist.
Flattery is a species ofconduct generallymost pleasing, always most
pernicious. The flattery in the text is a loud vaunting. It intrudes itself on all
occasions;it is busy and demonstrative.
I. IT IS A CURSE TO ITS AUTHOR. He who practises sycophancyinflicts an
incalculable injury on his ownspiritual nature. The spirit of independence,
the feeling of honest manhood, give way to a crawling, creeping instinct; it is a
sneaking art used to cajole and softenfools.
II. IT IS A CURSE TO ITS VICTIM Perhaps this is what Solomon means
when he says "it shall be counted a curse to him," i.e., the object of it. "Ofall
wild beasts," says Johnson, "preserve me from a flatterer."
(Homilist.)

STUDYLIGHT RESOURCES
Adam Clarke Commentary
He that blessethhis friend - He who makes loud and public protestations of
acknowledgments to his friend for favors received, subjects his sincerity to
suspicion; and remember the Italian proverb elsewhere quoted: - "He who
praises you more than he was wont to do, has either deceivedyou, or is about
to do it." Extravagantpublic professions are little to be regarded.
Albert Barnes'Notes onthe Whole Bible
The picture of the ostentatious flatterergoing at daybreak to pour out
blessings on his patron. For any goodthat he does, for any thanks he gets, he
might as wellutter curses.
The Biblical Illustrator
Proverbs 27:14
The curse of ostentatious flattery
Flattery is a species ofconduct generallymost pleasing, always most
pernicious. The flattery in the text is a loud vaunting. It intrudes itself on all
occasions;it is busy and demonstrative.
I. It is a curse to its author. He who practises sycophancyinflicts an
incalculable injury on his ownspiritual nature. The spirit of independence,

the feeling of honest manhood, give way to a crawling, creeping instinct; it is a
sneaking art used to cajole and softenfools.
II. It is a curse to its victim Perhaps this is what Solomon means when he says
“it shall be counted a curse to him,” i.e., the objectof it. “Of all wild beasts,”
says Johnson, “preserve me from a flatterer.” (Homilist.)
Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible
"He that blessethhis friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, It
shall be counted a curse to him."
Some uncertainty as to the exactmeaning of this gives us alternative
interpretations. (1) It is a rebuke of loud-mouth adulation, to which the public
will ascribe evil intent on the part of the flatterer. (2) A loud-mouth blessing
will calldown the wrath of God, who shall considerit a curse. (Alternate
interpretations by Toy).[15]Our own view of the passageis that any
inconsiderate, loud-mouthed communication from a neighbor before daylight
in the morning would be viewedby the recipient as rude and inappropriate,
even if the words were flattering.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible
He that blessethhis friend with a loud voice,.... So as not only to be heard by
him, but by others;who is extravagantin his praises and commendations of
him; who exceeds allbounds of modesty, truth, and decency;who affects
pompous words, and hyperbolical expressions;and shows himself to be a real
sycophant and flatterer, having some sinister end to serve by it;
rising early in the morning; lestany should be before him, and getthe benefit
he seeks by his flattery; or as if he had not time enough in the day to finish his
encomium, unless he began early in the morning, and continued it all the day;

and so it denotes his being incessantatthis work, always harping on this
string, or expressing himself in this adulatory way; or, as some think, this is
mentioned as an aggravationof his sin, that he should be acting this low,
mean, and criminal part, when he should be employed in devotion and prayer
to God;
it shall be counted a curse to him; either to the flatterer, by his friend whom
he blesses, andby all wise men that hear him, who will despise him all one as
if he cursed him: the Septuagint, Syriac, and Arabic versions, render it to this
sense, that such an one nothing differs, or nothing seems to differ, from one
that curses:or else to the person blessed, whom others will curse or however
detract from his character, because ofthe profuse praises bestowedupon him;
nay, sometimes God himself curses sucha man, who listens to, is fond of, and
receives the fulsome flatteries of wickedmen, as in the case ofHerod, Acts
12:22.
Geneva Study Bible
He that blessethhis friend with a loud voice, rising f early in the morning, it
(f) Hastily and without cause.
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Excessive zealin praising raises suspicions of selfishness.
Keil & DelitzschCommentary on the Old Testament

This proverb, passing overthe three immediately intervening, connects itself
with Proverbs 27:9 and Proverbs 27:10. It is directed againstcringing, noisy
complimenting:
He who blessethhis neighbour with a loud voice, rising early in the morning,
It is reckonedas a curse to him.
The first line is intentionally very heavy, in order to portray the
empressementof the makerof compliments: he calls out to another his good
wishes with a loud voice, so as to make the impression of deep veneration, of
deeply felt thankfulness, but in reality to gain favour thereby, and to
commend himself to greateracts of kindness; he sets himself to meet him,
having risen up ( ‫םיּכׁשה‬ , adverbial inf . abs .; cf. Jeremiah 44:4 with Jeremiah
25:4) early in the morning, to offer his captatio benevolentiae as speedilyas
possible;but this salutationof goodwishes, the affectedzeal in presenting
which is a signof a selfish, calculating, servile soul, is reckonedto him as ‫םללק‬
, viz., before God and every one who can judge correctlyof human nature,
also before him who is complimented in so ostentatious and troublesome a
manner, the true design of which is thus seen. Others understand the proverb
after the example of Berachoth14a, that one ought to salute no one till he has
said his morning's prayer, because honour is due before all to God (the Book
of Wisdom, 10:28); and others after Erachin 16a, according to which one is
meant who was invited as a guestof a generous lord, and was liberally
entertained, and who now on the public streets blesseshim, i.e. , praises him
for his nobility of mind - such blessing is a curse to him whom it concerns,
because this trumpeting of his praise brings upon him a troublesome,
importunate crowd. But plainly the particularity of ' ‫ּבקּב‬ ‫וקּבל‬ lays the chief
emphasis on the servility manifested; and one calls to mind the case ofthe
clients besieging the doors of their patrons, those clientes matutini , eachof
whom sought to be the first in the salutatio of his distinguished wealthy
patron.
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible

Note, 1. It is a greatfolly to be extravagantin praising even the best of our
friends and benefactors. It is our duty to give every one his due praise, to
applaud those who excelin knowledge, virtue, and usefulness, and to
acknowledge the kindnesses we have receivedwith thankfulness; but to do this
with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, to be always harping on this
string, in all companies, evento our friend's face, or so as that he may be sure
to hear it, to do it studiously, as we do that which we rise early to, to magnify
the merits of our friend above measure and with hyperboles, is fulsome, and
nauseous, and savours of hypocrisy and design. Praising men for what they
have done is only to get more out of them; and every body concludes the
parasite hopes to be well paid for his panegyric or epistle dedicatory. We must
not give that praise to our friend which is due to Godonly, as some think is
intimated in rising early to do it; for in the morning Godis to be praised. We
must not make too much haste to praise men (so some understand it), not cry
up men too soonfor their abilities and performances, but let them first be
proved; lest they be lifted up with pride, and laid to sleepin idleness. 2. It is a
greaterfolly to be fond of being ourselves extravagantlypraised. A wise man
rather counts it a curse, and a reflectionupon him, not only designed to pick
his pocket, but which may really turn to his prejudice. Modestpraises (as a
greatman observes)invite such as are presentto add to the commendation,
but immodest immoderate praises tempt them to detractrather, and to
censure one that they hear over-commended. And, besides, over-praising a
man makes him the objectof envy; every man puts in for a share of
reputation, and therefore reckons himself injured if another monopolize it or
have more given him than his share. And the greatestdangerof all is that it is
a temptation to pride; men are apt to think of themselves above what is meet
when others speak ofthem above what is meet. See how careful blessedPaul
was not to be over-valued, 2 Corinthians 12:6.
Wesley's ExplanatoryNotes
Blesseth— That praises him to his face.

A loud voice — That both he, and others, may be sure to take notice of it.
Rising early — To shew his greatforwardness.
A curse — His friend will value this kind of blessing no more than a curse.
John Trapp Complete Commentary
Proverbs 27:14 He that blessethhis friend with a loud voice, rising early in the
morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.
Ver. 14. He that blessethhis friend with a loud voice.]Qui leonum laudibus
murem obruit, that extols a man above measure, - as the false prophets did
Ahab, and the people Herod, - that praiseth him to his face;which, when a
court parasite did to Sigismund the emperor, he gave him a sound box on the
ear. (a) A preacherin Constantine’s time, ausus estimperatorem in os beatum
dicere, saith Eusebius, presumed to call the emperor a saint to his face;but he
went awaywith a check. (b) When Aristobulus the historian presentedto
Alexander the greatbook that he had written of his glorious acts, whereinhe
had flatteringly made him greaterthan he was, Alexander, after he had read
the book, threw it into the river Hydaspes, and said to the author, ‘It were a
gooddeed to throw thee after it.’
Rising early in the morning.] As afraid to be prevented by another, or that he
shall not have time enoughall day after to do it in.
Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible
Proverbs 27:14. He that blessethhis friend with a loud voice— "He who
spends all his time in nothing else but in extravagantpraises of his benefactor,
rather disparages than commends him." Or, it may be, "He that is hasty to
commend his friend, does him rather a disservice than a kindness." Moderate
and seasonable praises,says the greatLord Bacon, uttered upon occasion,
conduce both to men's fame and prosperity. But, when immoderate,

streperous, and unseasonably poured out, they profit nothing; nay rather,
according to the sense of this parable, they do much prejudice. For, first, they
manifestly betray themselves either to proceedfrom too much affection, or
from studious affectation;whereby they may rather ingratiate themselves
with him whom they praise by false commendations, than adorn his personby
just and deservedattributes. Secondly, sparing and modest praises commonly
invite such as are present to add something of their own to the commendation;
contrarywise, profuse and immoderate praises invite the hearers to detract
and take awaysomething which belongs to them. Thirdly, which is the
principal point—too much magnifying a man stirs up envy towards him;
seeing all immoderate praises look like a reproach to others, who think they
merit no less.
Matthew Poole's EnglishAnnotations on the Holy Bible
He that blessethhis friend, that saluteth, or praiseth, and applaudeth him to
his face, as the manner of flatterers is,
with a loud voice, that both he and others may be sure to take notice of it;
rising early in the morning to perform this office, to show his great
forwardness, and diligence, and zeal in his service, which was the custom of
the Romans afterward, and possibly of some of the Jews atthis time;
it shall be counted a curse to him his friend will value this kind of blessing no
more than a curse, because it plainly discovers a base design, and is a high
reflectionupon him, as if he either did not understand such gross and
palpable flattery, or were so ridiculously vain-glorious as to be pleasedwith it.
Whedon's Commentary on the Bible
14. Rising early in the morning — “Rising in the night.” — Vulgate. The
phrase, which is only two words in the Hebrew, is used to denote greatzeal
and earnestness. Extravagantand ill-timed praise is liable to excite suspicion
of unworthy motives. The proverb is understood by some in this sense:That it

is dangerous to make too much haste in praising men when they have not fully
establishedtheir character. Too earlyand too much praise may be the ruin of
a man, making him have a vain opinion of his own abilities and worth. (See on
Proverbs 27:21.)It is uncertain whether the word him, in the last clause,
means the blesseror the blessed. Forthe use of this word blesseth, in formal
salutation, compare Ruth 2:4; Psalms 129:8.
Expository Notes ofDr. Thomas Constable
The personwho hypocritically blesses his neighbor, for example by praising
him unusually loudly at an unusually early hour, will receive a curse from
other people. One"s manner of blessing others will be shownto be
hypocritical if he does it in excess.Therefore one needs to be careful to do
goodthings in the right way and at the right time, sincerelyrather than
hypocritically.
JosephBenson's Commentaryof the Old and New Testaments
Proverbs 27:14. He that blessethhis friend — That saluteth, praiseth, or
applaudeth him to his face, as the manner of flatterers is; with a loud voice —
That both he and others may be sure to take notice of it; rising early in the
morning — To perform this office, to show his great forwardness and
diligence, and zealin his service;which was the customof the Romans
afterward, and possibly of some of the Jews atthis time. It shall be counted a
curse to him — His friend will value this kind of blessing no more than a
curse:because it plainly discovers a base design, and is a high reflection upon
him, as if he either did not understand such gross and palpable flattery, or
were so ridiculously vain-glorious as to be pleasedwith it.
George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary

In the night. Or "early in the morning," de nocte, as the Hebrew implies. ---
Curseth. His importunity will be equally displeasing. (Haydock) --- Flattery is
dangerous, (Calmet) and unworthy of a free man. (Cicero, de Amic.)
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Unabridged
He that blessethhis friend with a loud voice (with grandiloquent words and
loud emphasis), rising early in the morning it shall be counted a curse to him -
it shall be counted to the flatterer all the same as if he cursed his friend (cf.
Proverbs 26:25). "Early in the morning" implies the affectedassiduity of the
flatterer (Proverbs 8:34; Jeremiah25:3-4). The exaggeratedpraise and
compliment engendersuspicion of sinister motives.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
(14) He that blessethhis friend with a loud voice . . .—If gratitude is to be
acceptable, the time, place, and manner of shewing it must all be well chosen.
A man who is so eagerto express his thanks that he begins early in the
morning, and in so loud a voice as to draw upon his patron the attention of all
the bystanders, is lookedupon as a nuisance; any one would as soonbe cursed
as blessedby him. So God loves heartfelt gratitude offeredin secret. (Comp.
Matthew 6:5-6.)
Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary
CRITICAL NOTES.—
Pro . Secretlove. Zckler and Hitzig understand this love to be that "which
from false considerationdissembles, and does not tell his friend of his faults

when it should do so." Delitzschthinks it refers to "love which is confined to
the heart alone, like a fire which, when it burns secretly, neither lightens nor
warms."
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.—Pro ; Pro 27:9-11;Pro
27:14
TESTS OF FRIENDSHIP
We group these verses togetherbecause theyall treat of the same subject, viz.,
friendship in reality and friendship in professiononly. The same subject
occurredin the preceding chapter(see on Pro , and in chap. Pro 17:17-18,
page 519.)
I. He does not love us truly who does not love us well enough to tell us of our
faults. The true friend must desire to see the objectof his affectionas free
from faults as it is possible for him to be; the truest and the purest love seeks
by every means within its reachto bless the beloved one. And as we should not
considerhim a friend who would make no effort to free us from any bodily
disease orphysical deformity, we ought not to call him an enemy who will
strive to rid us of moral and spiritual blemishes. For such an one gives proof
that he cares more for our ultimate goodthan for our present smile—he
shows that he is even willing to risk our displeasure in the hope of doing us
real kindness. He who gives us kisses whenhe ought to give us reproof, or who
holds back deserved rebuke from cowardice, is more cruel than if he withheld
from us an indispensable medicine simply because it had a bitter taste. For if
we will not take the unpleasant draught from the hand that we have claspedin
friendship, we are not likely to find it more pleasantwhen administered by a
stranger, much less by an enemy. And if a wound is to be probed it is surely
better for the patient that it should be done by a skilful and tender hand than
by one who has no sympathy with us and no acquaintance with our inner life.
And as it is certain that those who do not love us will either rebuke us for our
faults or despise us on accountof them, the realfriend is he who, by a loving
faithfulness, strives to rid us of them. What would have become of David if
Nathan had lackedthe courage to sayto him, "Thou art the man."

II. Such a true friend is the most refreshing and invigorating influence that
can bless our life. Setting aside the blessing and strength which come to man
direct from his Father in heaven, there is no source whence he can derive so
much help and comfort as from the hearty sympathy and sound advice of a
real friend. They are like the anointing oil and perfume which refresh the
wearyEasterntraveller at the end of his day's journey, removing the traces of
toil and the sense offatigue, and putting new life into every limb. Life is a
dusty, toilsome highway for most men, and they sorelystand in need of some
soothing and renewing influence as they pursue the journey. And this,
Solomonassures us—andexperience confirms his assurance—isto be found
in hearty friendship.
III. The cultivation and retention of such friends should be one of the aims of
life. Seeing that there is no other means by which we are so likely to geta true
acquaintance with ourselves, and no other earthly influence which is so likely
at once to elevate and console us, we ought to try and make real friends and be
faithful to our friendships after they are formed. And especiallywe ought ever
gratefully to remember the friends of our youth—those who gave us help and
counselwhen we most needed them, and to whose faithfulness and
forbearance we probably owe far more than we canever rightly estimate.
There is a proneness in the youth as he rises into manhood, and is probably
removed from early associations andlifted into a higher socialsphere, to
forgethis earliestand truest friend, but the truly wise and honourable man
will count fidelity to such a sacredduty.
OUTLINES AND SUGGESTIVE COMMENTS
Pro . Many indeed profess their value for a true friend; and yet in the most
valuable discharge of friendship, they "count him their enemy." The apostle
had some just apprehensionon this account, though so wise and affectionate,
and speaking from the mouth of God. (Gal 4:12-16). As if the rule of
friendship was, that we should absolutely "please," withoutreference to the
Divine restriction—"forgoodto edification." (Rom 15:2). Christian
faithfulness is the only wayof acting up to our profession. And much guilt lies
upon the conscience in the neglect. But this open rebuke must not contravene
the express rule of love—"telling the fault betweenthee and him alone." Too

often, instead of pouring it secretlyinto our brother's ear, it is proclaimed
through the wide medium of the world's ear, and thus it passes through a
multitude of channels before it reaches its one proper destination. The
openness of the rebuke describes the free and unreserved sincerity of the
heart, not necessarilythe public exposure of the offender; save when the
characterof the offence, or the interests of others, may appearto demand it.
(1Ti 5:20).—Bridges.
This is that false love which really injures its object; and which, on this
account,—thatis, from its injurious tendency, how little soeverdesigned, gets
in the Scriptures the designationof hatred: "Thou shalt not hate thy brother
in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin
upon him." (Lev ).—Wardlaw.
Pro . The best physic for man is man. For friendship is a kind of life to man,
without which there is no comfort of a man's life. Friendship is in men a kind
of step to God, and by means of love man draweth near to God, when, as from
being the friend of man, he is made the friend of God. But as among the Jews
there was no oil that did so rejoice the heart as that wherewith the kings were
anointed; no perfume that did so delight the soul as that which the priest
offered; in like manner as there is no friend so sweetas God, so there is no
counselthat doth so glad the soul, so cheerthe heart, as that which He giveth
in His word, whereby we are made even kings and priests unto him.—Jermin.
The heartiness of a friend's counselconstitutes its excellence. It is not official,
or merely intelligent. It is the counselof his soul.—Bridges.
Pro . "Neithergo into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity." This
has certainly the appearance of a very strange advice. Whither, in the day of
our calamity, should we go, if not to the house of a brother? Where are we to
expecta kind reception, and the comfort we require, if not there? But the
proverb, like all others, must be understood generally, and applied in the
circumstances and the sense obviously and mainly designed. The meaning
seems to be either—
1. Do not choose "the day of thy calamity" for making thy visit, if thou hast
not shownthe same inclination to court and cultivate intimacy before, in the

day of thy success andprosperity. This unavoidably looks notlike the impulse
of affection, but of felt necessity, or convenience and self-interest:"Ay, ay,"
your brother will be naturally apt to say, "I saw little of you before: you are
fain to come to me now, when you feel your need of me, and fancy I may be of
some service to you." Or,
2. Let not sympathy be forcedand extorted. "In the day of thy calamity," if
thy brother has the heart of a brother, and really feels for thee, he will come
to thee; he will seek and find thee. If he does not, then do not press yourself
upon his notice, as if you would constrain and oblige him to be kind. This
may, and probably will, have the effectof disgusting and alienating him,
rather than gaining his love. Love and sympathy must be unconstrained as
well as unbought. When they are either got by a bribe, or gotby dint of urgent
solicitation, they are alike heartless, and alike worthless. The reasonis—"For
better is a neighbour that is near, than a brother far off. The antithetical
phrases "athand" and "far off," have evident reference here, not to locality,
but to disposition. A friendly and kindly-disposed neighbour, who bears no
relation to us save that of neighbourhood, is greatly preferable to a brother—
to any near relation whateverthat is cold, distant, and alienated.—Wardlaw.
The proverbial sense is, that better is a lessercomfortwhich is ready at hand,
than a greatersolacewhich we must go to seek after.—Jermin.
Pro . It is an excellentdescription of a notorious flatterer, and a just
denunciation of his due reward. First, he blessethwith a loud voice, as if he
wanted breath and sides to set out the praises of his friend, and as if he would
not only awakenhim with the news of it but many others also with the
loudness of it. Secondly, he doth it rising early, as if it were some main and
principal business which he had to do, and wherein he would show himself
more forward than any others. Thirdly, he doth it in the morning, as if he
would bless his friend before he blessedGod, or rather would make him his
God by offering his sacrifice ofpraise unto him.—Jermin.
END OF STUDYLIGHT RESOURCES

When is a blessing a curse? Whenit is flattery! Payno attention to excessive
blessings, compliments, or praise. It is actually a curse, for there is a false or
foolish motive behind it (Pr 26:24-28;29:5). The person has already deceived
you, or he is about to deceive you. Godly men are not moved by flattery, nor
do they manipulate others with flattery.
The man here praises his friend with a loud voice. What does this sound level
tell you about him? It indicates an insincere display rather than a holy and
noble compliment. He intends for the friend and others also to hear the
blessing. The loud praise is excessive,becauseit is flattery. His blessing is for
other than friendly and sincere encouragement.
He rises early in the morning to praise his friend. What does this timing tell
you about the blessing? It indicates a compliment and praise out of place and
proportion, for there are other more important things to be done in the
morning. The untimely praise is excessive, because itis flattery. His blessing is
for other than friendly and sincere encouragement.
The flattery here is betweenfriends. If an enemy used a loud voice early in the
morning to praise you, it would be easyto know it was false and dangerous
(Ps 5:8-10). But when it is betweenfriends, it is much harder to see its danger
(Pr 29:5). Wise men, who value soberwarnings, will steelthemselves against
excessive compliments, evenfrom friends.
God hates flattery. Flatteryis a compliment or praise to getanother person to
believe or do something wrong. It is a trait of depraved men (Ps 5:9). Whores
use it to seduce men (Pr 6:24; 7:21), and Israelused it to secure God’s
deliverance from enemies (Ps 78:34-37). Godwill cut off all flatterers and
blind their children (Job 17:5; Ps 12:1-3)!

Goodmen will not give flattering titles to men (Job 32:21-22), though very
popular in religion (Matt 23:6-12). Some ministers use “Reverend” or
“Father” to obtain flattery from others. Paul never used flattery when in
Thessalonica,whichis quite contrary to the manipulating and stroking
teachers so popular today (I Thess 2:5). True ministers will not flatter: they
will name sins, name names, and take no prisoners (II Cor10:4-6)!
In a marketing era, image is more important than content, appearance than
performance, and perception than reality, so it is easyto approve flattery.
Sanguines have the temperament for it; salesmenare taught to do it. Rather
than objectively present a product by its factual merits, they promote things
with loud flattery and feigned friendliness. Compliments from a salesman
about any personalmatters are manifestly insincere.
Talk is cheap. Wise men ignore most bad things said about them (Eccl7:21-
22), and they ignore all goodthings said about them (Pr 27:14,21). One actof
true kindness is more meaningful than many exuberant blessings. Correction
and rebuke are far more valuable for prosperity and successthan any
compliment. It is a duty for saints to think soberly of themselves, but this is
hard to do, if you enjoy the praise of men (Pr 29:5; Rom 12:3).
Saul flattered David by offering him his two daughters, intending to use the
bait to kill him by the Philistines (I Sam 18:17-25). Absalomflattered the men
of Israel to stealtheir loyalty from his father David, king of Israel(II Sam
15:1-6). The citizens of Tyre and Sidon flattered Herod, but God had him
eatenby worms for accepting it (Acts 12:21-23).
All praise is not sin. Praise to geta person to believe or do something wrong is
sin. Jesus commended His disciples (Luke 22:28). Paul mentioned a fellow

believer, who was praised in all the churches (II Cor 8:18). Paul praised
Corinth (I Cor 11:2). Paul praisedTimothy (Phil 2:19-22). Paullisted many
men and womenfor honor and praise in the churches (Rom 16:1-15). And
both husband and children will praise the virtuous woman for her diligent
and noble efforts (Pr 31:28-31). Subversive praise, or flattery, is sin.
Praise severelytests a man’s character(Pr 27:21). Mostmen are vulnerable to
flattery, from men or women; they believe the praise is true, and they will
compromise to get more of it (Pr 29:5). But a wise man will prefer the rebuke
of a sincere friend above the kiss of an enemy (Pr 27:5-6). Jesus, the greatest
example for you, did what He could to hinder praise and popularity (Mark
7:36). Make efforts to soonforgetcompliments but to well remember
correction– the latter is far better for your perfectionthan the former.
http://www.letgodbetrue.com/proverbs/commentaries/27_14.php
Loud and untimely greetings "early" in the morning may be annoying to
many people hence it morphs into a curse instead of a blessing. It points out
that timeliness and the manner in which a word is given is very important.
miles1 said:
Loud and untimely greetings "early" in the morning may be annoying
That's right. Same thing on the next verse:
A quarrelsome wife is like
a constantdripping on a rainy day

A quarelsome wife is annoying. So is an untimely greeting early in the
morning.
Jake
Wow thanks for that. I really didn't think of it as being untimely is going to
result in that becoming a curse.
I just took it for what i was...
Thanks again
Jake
xcortman said:
I really didn't think of it as being untimely is going to result in that becoming
a curse.
Biblically speaking, timing is very important:
A time to castawaystones, and a time to gather stones together;a time to
embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose;a time to keep, and a time to castaway;

A time to rend, and a time to sew;a time to keepsilence, and a time to speak
Ecle 3
There is a time to keepsilence and a time to speak.
miles1 said:
Loud and untimely greetings "early" in the morning may be annoying to
many people hence it morphs into a curse instead of a blessing. It points out
that timeliness and the manner in which a word is given is very important.
I have to agree with this response miles.
I am not a morning person. I need at leastan hour of quiet time when I wake
in the morning. I'm single with no kids, so I canhave my hour. So, if someone
comes by or calls "early" in the morning with loudness I would totally
considerthat untimely and would probably be a bit irritated. So, their
blessing would not be receivedas enthusiasticallyor as thankfully as it should
be.
Example . . .
Just this pastSunday morning I was relaxing before church; cup of coffee in
hand; thoughts of God in mind. The phone rang "early", and before I even
knew who was calling I cringed with the thought, "Who's calling me this
early?" Then, I became frightened because no one who really knows me calls
that early unless it is an emergency.

Well, thankfully it wasn't an emergency. It was a friend of mine with nothing
important to say. I tried not to be irritated, but it was difficult seeing how she
knows me well enough to know that I ike my early mornings to myself;
especiallymy early Sunday mornings.
Then, after stating her business she repeatedherself severaltimes. I became
more irritated, and all I could say was, "Uh huh, uh huh, okay. Uh huh, uh
huh, okay." I didn't want to be rude, but through the whole conversationI
kept thinking, "Now this could have waited until after church. Why didn't she
just wait to tell me this after church? What is wrong with her?" Maybe I
shouldn't have, but that's how I felt - irritated.
So, I do understand what miles means when he says . . .
"morphs into a curse instead of a blessing."
Greatresponse miles.
The use of the word curse is hyperbole, it's not a literal curse.
xcortman said:
Takenfrom the NIV:
"If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as
a curse"
Let's look at it this way; if you went out one morning, saw your neighbor and
said, "Hey, Bob, how are you doing?!" at the top of your lungs, and it is 5
A.M., it would be more of a curse than a blessing, because notonly is that
rather rude and disturbing, you're disrupting half the neighborhood.

Jake
Now if i remember clearly, it was king Solomonwho wrote the book of
Proverbs. Im guessing he might not have been a morning person himself
haha..
Anyways coming back to the topic, i was awokenyesterdaymorning with a
phone call for a phone interview basically for job. I said, hello into the phone
and i tell you i sounded like a harsh old man. My throat was scratchyas id
just wokenup, i could hardly think straight and answeredthose questions
with a whole lot of non-sense. I don't think the person on the other line was
too pleasedwith the whole thing
I can now kind of relate to what that verse means. It canget quite annoying
early in the morning.
Hey but if that person sleeps in, then there's no excuse
Jake
xcortman said:
Now if i remember clearly, it was king Solomonwho wrote the book of
Proverbs. Im guessing he might not have been a morning person himself
haha..
Haha Just wanted to add something...
Mostof it was by Solomonbut some of the proverbs there were from
somebody else. Like this for example:

The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, eventhe prophecy: the man spake unto
Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal
Pro 30:1
John_Jervis said:
Haha Just wanted to add something...
Mostof it was by Solomonbut some of the proverbs there were from
somebody else. Like this for example:
The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, eventhe prophecy: the man spake unto
Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal
Pro 30:1
Yes i do remember reading that somewhere on the internet...But do we
actually know who wrote those other passages..?
John_Jervis
xcortman said:
Yes i do remember reading that somewhere on the internet...But do we
actually know who wrote those other passages..?

Ah, you are referring to the actualwriter? Well, it's possible that other people
might have written the words but the bible would still indicate the origianl
author (the person where the words came from).
For example, it is generallyknown that the epistle to the Romans was written
by Paul. But...
I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
Rom 16:22
So it was Tertius who was the physical writer. But in essence, it was Paul who
instructed Tertius to write the words:
Paul, a servantof Jesus Christ, calledto be an apostle, separatedunto the
gospelof God
Rom 1:1
Same thing in Proverbs. It might be an assistantora scribe during that time
who wrote chapter 30 of Proverbs. But the Bible tells us that the words came
from Agur. And that is what is important.
Hello Jake. I will be glad to take a shot at this, but mine is a little different.
Hope it helps you!!!

There has always been those who make loud ptrotestations of love and
affectionthat you know there is something behind it all. Some would use the
word "pious" to explain it. Readthe verse againvery carfully!!
Notice the word "friend".
My sense is that you need to watchout for the man who is praising you more
than you ought to be praised!!!!
Now read 2 Samuel 15:1-6 to get a Scriptural illustration.
Do you see how Absalom won the hearts of the men of Israel? He gotup early
and came to the city gate to talk with the men who came to the city with a
problem. Absalom flattered them and pretended to love them and show an
interest in them and their problem. But his true interest was in getting their
support when he seizedthe throne.(Sounds like todays politician does'ntit?)
I have always told young preachers to be very wary of those who tell them
how greatthey are. They will have the young preacherbelieving he is the next
Billy Sunday or John Calvin but there is a trap there. Yes it is wonderful to
here encouraqgementbut also remember to not believe everything you
HEAR.
A modern proverb might go something like this:
"Flatteryis like perfume. The idea is to smell it, not swallow it".
Thanks
Jake

Click to expand...
Don't loose too much thought to this one. The Hebrew word for this is "qalal"
Pronouncedkaw-lal'(HSN7043)whichis defined as vilification ...which leans
more toward cursing (profanity), to insult, cause contentionor to anoy.
Compared to "cursed" in Genesis 3:14..The Hebrew word for this is "arar"
Pronouncedaw-rar' (HSN779)which means to execrate, condemnor to
bitterly curse.
Xcortman this does not apply to your question, but is something that applies
to Proverbs in general:
People often quote proverbs as though they were absolute promises from God
or rigid rules for living. In fact, few of the proverbs should be read that way
(Zondervan - NIV Student Bible).
Example:
Proverbs 16:7. When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his
enemies to be at peace with him.
Now this is an excellentprinciple to live by, but it is not a promise or a rigid
rule; if it was, our Lord and Savior would not have died at calvary.
Thanks
Jake

Click to expand...
To me, I believe this means to not bless a neighbor to gain attention and to
show off how "holy" you are but to do it privately for Godblesses the things
you do in private.
Jake
Thanks againfor the different opinions and ideas. I did read all of them Im
totally confused wheneveri hear this verse. Eachof us here could take it in
many possible ways depending on how eachof us have understood it.
But i guess its not much of importance because i don't bless/curse anyone
early in the morning. Now if i had to take it in a way of timing, id have to be
careful although i feellike i do tend to leantowards the bless/curse
explanation.
Jake
The Bible says, "A word fitly spokenis like apples of gold in pictures of
silver." I don't think that refers only to what we say but also to when we say
it. There is a time to speak and a time to be quiet. We can't be a blessing if we
ignore that.
https://christianforumsite.com/threads/proverbs-27-14-explain.23014/

Would You PleaseExplain Proverbs 27:14?
Proverbs 27:14 reads:“He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising
early in the morning, It will be counted a curse to him.”
This seems to be a rather straight-forward statement, easyto understand. But
upon further and deeperscrutiny, some very remarkable and easily
overlookedtruisms may come to light. This is a goodexample for the fact that
the Bible must be read with greatcare and diligence, and that just a
superficial glancing at biblical passageswill not suffice.
(1) First, we should note that the person blesses,praises orthanks his friend
“with a loud voice.”
The Broadman Bible Commentary states:
“Verse 14 is aimed at insincerity in greeting concealedby a loud but
hypocritical voice.”
The Lamsa Bible renders the verse:
“He who blesses his friend with a flattering loud voice is not different from
him who curses.”
The personwho flatters his friend by blessing him with a loud voice, while he
has ulterior motives and insincerity in his heart, can be comparedwith those
who pray to God with a loud voice, but who are unwilling to submit to Him.
In either case, sucha “blessing” orprayer of “thanks” will not produce
positive results, as Ezekiel8:18 states:“.. though they cry in My ears with a
loud voice, I will not hear them.”
It is also interesting that the harlot is describedas “loud and rebellious”
(Proverbs 7:11).
The Soncino Commentary gives the following explanation of the person’s
blessing with a loud voice, in Proverbs 27:14:
“… ‘with a loud voice.’His heartiness concealsfeelings ofanimosity…”

Psalm5:9 states that “… there is no faithfulness in their mouth… their throat
is an open tomb; They flatter with their tongue.”
Proverbs 26:28 tells us that a “flattering mouth works ruin”; and Proverbs
29:5 states that “A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet.”
Psalm12:3 states:“Maythe LORD cut off all flattering lips…” and Job 17:5
warns also againstthe bad consequencesofflattery for the flatterer and his
offspring.
Paul states in 1 Thessalonians 2:5-6 that he and his fellow workers did not act
as the flatterer in Proverbs 27:14, pointing out: “Forneither at any time did
we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness—Godis
witness. Nordid we seek gloryfrom men, either from you or from others,
when we might have made demands as apostles ofChrist.”
We might also remember the many instances when the Pharisees and
Sadducees came to Christ with flattering and praising words, in order to trick
Him. Forinstance, we read this remarkable episode in Matthew 22:15-18:
“Then the Pharisees wentand plotted how they might entangle Him in His
talk. And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying,
‘Teacher, we know that You are true, and teachthe way of God in truth; nor
do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. Tell us,
therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, ornot?’ But
Jesus perceivedtheir wickedness[Mark 12:15 states:“But He, knowing their
hypocrisy …”], and said, ‘Why do you testMe, you hypocrites?’”
The BensonCommentary gives an additional meaning to the use of a “loud
voice” in Proverbs 27:14:
“‘He that blessethhis friend’… That saluteth, praiseth, or applaudeth him to
his face, as the manner of flatterers is; ‘with a loud voice’… That both he and
others may be sure to take notice of it…”
Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible elaborates as follows:
“‘He that blessethhis friend with a loud voice’… So as not only to be heard by
him, but by others;who is extravagantin his praises and commendations of

him; who exceeds allbounds of modesty, truth, and decency;who affects
pompous words, and hyperbolical expressions;and shows himself to be a real
sycophant [a personwho acts obsequiously towardsomeone important in
order to gain an advantage]and flatterer, having some sinister end to serve by
it…”
The Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers agrees:
“‘He that blessethhis friend with a loud voice’… If gratitude is to be
acceptable, the time, place, and manner of shewing it must all be well chosen.
A man who is so eagerto express his thanks that he begins early in the
morning, and in so loud a voice as to draw upon his patron the attention of all
the bystanders, is lookedupon as a nuisance; any one would as soonbe cursed
as blessedby him. So God loves heartfelt gratitude offeredin secret(Compare
Matthew 6:5-6.).”
The point is made that we ought to be carefulnot to praise another person
with a loud flattering voice in the presence of others, while being motivated by
a desire to be heard and acknowledgedby them.
(2) Next, we should againtake note of the factthat he blesses his friend “early
in the morning.”
The Soncino Commentary states that “early in the morning” describes “an
idiomatic phrase denoting zeal [compare Jeremiah 7:13], but in this instance
it is only feigned…”
The Jamieson-Fausset-BrownBible Commentary states:
“‘He that blessethhis friend… rising early in the morning…’ it shall be
counted to be a flatterer all the same as if he cursed his friend (cf. Proverbs
26:25). ‘Early in the morning’ implies the affectedassiduity [constant or close
attention to what one is doing] of the flatterer… The exaggeratedpraise and
compliment engendersuspicion and sinistermotives.”
Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible states:
“‘rising early in the morning’… lestany should be before him, and getthe
benefit he seeksby his flattery; or as if he had not time enough in the day to

finish his encomium, unless he beganearly in the morning, and continued it
all the day; and so it denotes his being incessantatthis work, always harping
on this string, or expressing himself in this adulatory way; or, as some think,
this is mentioned as an aggravationof his sin, that he should be acting this
low, mean, and criminal part, when he should be employed in devotion and
prayer to God…”
We find an interesting example in Judges 6:28 when men of the city arose
“earlyin the morning” to worship before the altar of Baal. They had zeal to
do something, but their zeal was totally wrong. Another example of a wrong
kind of zeal by those who rise “early in the morning,” but who do not behave
in accordancewith God’s Will and who disregard His Plan, can be found in
Isaiah5:11-12:“Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may
follow intoxicating drink… but they do not regard the work of the LORD,
Nor considerthe operation of His hands.”
(3) Finally, we read that such early and loud blessings “willbe counted a
curse” to the flatterer.
The Soncino Commentary gives the following explanation:
“… ‘counted a curse to him.’ The clause… canmean that God will punish the
insincere man for his greeting as though it had been a curse…”
The BensonCommentary states:
“…‘It shall be counted a curse to him’… His friend will value this kind of
blessing no more than a curse:because it plainly discovers a base design, and
is a high reflectionupon him, as if he either did not understand such gross and
palpable flattery, or were so ridiculously vain-glorious as to be pleasedwith
it.”
Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible agrees and adds:
“… ‘it shall be counted a curse to him’… either to the flatterer, by his friend
whom he blesses,and by all wise men that hear him, who will despise him all
one as if he cursed him… such an one differs [nothing], or nothing seems to
differ, from one that curses:or else to the person blessed, whomothers will

curse or however detractfrom his character, becauseofthe profuse praises
bestowedupon him; nay, sometimes Godhimself curses such a man, who
listens to, is fond of, and receives the fulsome flatteries of wickedmen, as in
the case ofHerod, Acts 12:22.”
In regard to the above-quotedcomment that a “blessed” personmay be
“cursed” by others, we might think of Jacob’s concernwhen his mother
persuaded him to trick and deceive his father Isaac to receive a blessing from
him. He said to his mother Rebekah:“Perhaps my father will feelme, and I
shall seemto be a deceiverto him; and I shall bring a curse on myself and not
a blessing” (Genesis 27:12). His mother persuaded him to carry out his
deceptionand stated that Jacob’s curse should be on her. Jacobacquiesced,
but as a consequence,he had to flee from his twin brother Esauand stayed
awayfor twenty years (Genesis 31:38, 41), while being deceivedrepeatedly by
this uncle Laban (Genesis 29:24;31:7). When he returned, his father Isaac
was still alive, but it appears that his mother Rebekahhad died in the
meantime (she is not mentioned anymore after Genesis 27:46), whichmeans
that she never saw her son again.
In conclusion, the Bible does not speak againsttruly thanking or blessing our
friend at any time. What is addressedhere is the motive and the manner of
the ones who bestow and receive the “blessing”—the insincere flatteryof a
person who acts with a loud voice to be heard by others, while he might
harbor feelings of animosity towards his “friend,” and who acts early in the
morning to be the first in line and before others have the opportunity to bless
his friend and may receive appreciationand benefits instead of the flatterer.
Again, we might think of Jacobwho was able to get to his father Isaac with
the savoryfood that had been quickly prepared by his mother, before his
brother Esauarrived with his savory food.
Proverbs 27:14 addressesthe insincere personwho does not actbecause of
genuine love, but because ofsinister motives. Forhis conduct, he will either be
punished by God directly or his friend will see right through him and reject
his flattery, treating it as the utterance of a curse. Proverbs 27:14 might also
include the warning for his friend not to acceptsucha “blessing” whichmight
have been encouragedto some extent by his own improper conduct (compare

Jacob’s behavior), and which might turn out to become a curse for him—
including the admonition not to embrace and enjoy the hypocritical loud and
boisterous flattery bestowedupon him in the presence ofothers (compare
Herod’s behavior), as this might lead to his downfall.
Lead Writer: Norbert Link
https://www.churchofgodacf.ca/would-you-please-explain-proverbs-2714/
Proverbs 27:14
He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning,
It will be counted a curse to him.
a. He who blesses his friend with a loud voice:The sense here is of an over-
the-top greeting and blessing, meant to flatter and manipulate. It is loud and it
starts early in the morning. Something is amiss in such excessive praise.
i. Blesses his friend with a loud voice:“That extols a man above measure, – as
the false prophets did Ahab, and the people Herod, – that praiseth him to his
face;which, when a court parasite did to Sigismund the emperor, he gave him
a sound box on the ear.” (Trapp)
ii. “His unnatural voice and timing betrays him as a hypocrite and no good
will come of it.” (Waltke)
iii. “Rememberthe Italian proverb elsewhere quoted: ‘He who praises you
more than he was wont to do, has either deceivedyou, or is about to do it.’
Extravagantpublic professions are little to be regarded.” (Clarke)
b. It will be counted a curse to him: Normally a friendly greeting is a blessing.
Yet if that blessing is flattery or meant to manipulate it can be counted a
curse.
i. “There is nothing more calculatedto arouse suspicionthan profuse
protestations of friendship.” (Morgan)

ii. “Whena man exceeds all bounds of truth and decency, affecting pompous
words and hyperbolical expressions, we cannotbut suspectsome sinister
motive. Realfriendship needs no such assurance.”(Bridges)
https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/proverbs-27/
Be Sensitive
Introduction:
1. This is a simple proverbial thought that serves as an exhortation to us all to
be sensitive towards the comfort and physical well being of others.
2. While the author mentions only one particular situation, it could be applied
to countless others.
3. Being sensitive to others is part of what love is all about.
14a He that blessethhis friend with a loud voice…
1. Bless defined:
a. This is a goodword; a positive word.
b. It means to bless, salute, greet, commend; invoke divine favor; praise.
2. It is not certainwhether Solomonwas using the term in the sense of
“greeting” someone with a loud voice early in the morning, or “blessing and
praising” someone with a loud voice early in the morning.
3. The main point here is not so much the contentof the blessing or greeting,
but the fact of it… and that it is done early in the morning.
4. It is very possible that this “blessing” was done with the best of intentions.
a. If we understand the word translated “blessing” here to mean “to praise or
bless,” then the speakerobviouslyis doing so with goodintentions.
b. He intends to say goodthings about his friend.

c. He does so with a loud voice – he is enthusiastic and excited.
14c It shall be counted a curse to him.
1. The point of the proverb is that regardless ofthe goodintentions of the one
who “blesseshis friend”, the one sleeping will considerhis blessing a curse!
a. The person may come over to “bless” his friend for a job well done, or for a
recentaccomplishment.
b. But if he does so early in the morning, and comes with a loud voice, the one
sleeping will be irritated, not blessed.
2. Forexample, considerthe student who stayed up into the wee hours of the
morning studying for finals and is sleeping a bit late in the morning.
a. His friend may come running into the dorm room with the goodnews that
the patriots won.
b. What he thinks is a word of blessing, his sleeping friend may hear as a
curse.
3. Or considerthe husband who works the night shift and came home from
work and sleeps until 1:00 in the afternoon.
a. The wife may be downstairs doing the dishes and cooking—thinking she is
blessing her husband.
b. But the loud noise of pots and pans clanging may well be interpreted as a
curse!
4. Solomon’s point about human nature is that it is very common for us to be
insensitive towards others.
a. It is easyfor us to come barging into a scene allfull of enthusiasm and with
a loud voice—withouteven considering how this will be perceivedby others.
5. And of course, the principle here could be applied to situations other than
one who is sleeping.
a. We should be sensitive to the feelings of others too.

b. Loud, cheerful, enthusiastic words of blessing may not be receivedwell by a
person who just lost a loved one.
c. Loud, zealous cheers that your candidate won may not setwell with
someone whose candidate just lost.
d. Someone who has the flu may not appreciate a loud visitor who came with
the bestof intentions. The loud voice of blessing may give that person a
headache.
e. Someone who is going through a period of depressionmay not appreciate
the one who tries to cheerhim up by means of loud, bubbly, over the top
cheerfulness.
f. Applications are limitless. The point is that we should be sensitive to the
circumstances and feelings of others.
g. This kind of sensitivity is easilyachievedby following the old familiar
proverb: put yourself in the other person’s shoes… ortrying walking in his
moccasins.
6. In Proverbs 27:14, it does not seemlike the person describedin this proverb
is trying to be irritating.
a. Rather, it appears to be an issue of a lack of thoughtfulness.
b. Blessing one’s neighboris good; but not early in the morning when they are
trying to sleep.
c. He may have goodintentions; he may have intended to BLESS.
d. But the end result of his goodintentions is that they were perceived to be a
CURSE (invocation of divine harm; reproach;taunt; hissing; speaking ill-will
againstanother).
e. Intentions of being a blessing do not always translate into actually BEING a
blessing to others.
f. Be sure that the blessing is wanted.

7. The blessing being turned into a curse in this proverb was the result of poor
timing.
a. The loud voice of blessing may have been appreciateda little later in the
day—but not first thing in the morning!
b. They were goodwords; but bad timing.
c. Prov. 15:23 – “a word spokenin due season, how goodis it!”
d. A blessing spokenat the right time is so good. But those very same words of
blessing spokenat the wrong time come across like a curse… insensitive, loud,
inconsiderate stinging speech.
e. Timing matters. It is a matter of being sensitive to circumstances and
timing.
f. Ecc. 3:1,7 – There is a time for everything under heaven. There is a right
time and a wrong time.
8. In addition to the poor timing, some see in this proverb an expressionof
insincerity.
a. The loud voice is viewedas being loud, extravagant, and overly flowery in
one’s praise for someone.
b. They see insincerity in the fact that the person begins his praise first thing
in the morning—and evidently, continues with his floweryover the top praise
all day long.
c. That being the case,then this would also be a warning againstsuch praise.
• Don’t offer that kind of showy, loud, extravagant praise to others.
• And don’t be deceivedif you are the recipient of it.
• Their blessing is deceitful and will eventually turn into a curse.
• Exaggeratedpraise should be considereda curse.
• Prov. 26:24-25 – Don’t believe the phony, fair speechof those who flatter
profusely. They are usually up to no good.

https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs-27-index/proverbs-
27_14/
Proverbs 27:14 commentary; too much praise
14 ¶ He that blessethhis friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning,
it shall be counted a curse to him.
At first I saw this as very clearlya simple Proverb about how even something
that you normally would love to hear, like approval and a blessing from a
friend, could be a realnuisance if done excessivelyor at the wrong time. For
instance, you wouldn’t care to have your friend call you on the telephone early
in the morning, waking you up, to tell you how wonderful you are. In fact,
you’d eventually look on that person as a pain in the neck or mentally
unbalanced. In other words, your approval canbecome a curse rather than a
blessing by being given excessivelyand at inopportune times.
The commentators talk about, as the earlier Proverb about “openrebuke”
being better than “secretlove” so does excessive verbalblessing eventually
become meaningless and annoying. So, when does a blessing become a curse?
Proverbs 26:28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a
flattering mouth workethruin.
When blessing becomes flattery and someone is tempted to believe the excess
coming from a friend’s mouth it can lead to a higher view of oneselfthan is
warranted and then the ruin that canfollow from pride. Christians are told;

Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is
among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to
think soberly, according as Godhath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
And the warnings given in Proverbs are abundant about not thinking too
highly of yourself;
Proverbs 16:18 ¶ Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before
a fall. 19 ¶ Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide
the spoil with the proud.
Proverbs 25:27 ¶ It is not goodto eat much honey: so for men to searchtheir
own glory is not glory.
Proverbs 26:12 ¶ Seestthou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope
of a fool than of him.
This Proverb is a particular problem for a child. You may have a gifted child
or a child who seems very intelligent emotionally. You want them to have all
the opportunities to excel, to take their natural abilities and rise high with
them. But, be carefulabout excessive praise. Give them a chance to prove
themselves by their behavior and actions rather than just their potential.
When I was a child I was bookishand an avid reader. I could retain
information and loved to talk about what I’d read. Certain members of my
family had far too high an opinion of my potential and not enough sober
realization of my limitations. As a result of these errors in judgment I was

pushed too far too fast for my actual abilities. By skipping parts of grades and
being placed in “gifted” groups and “honors” courses whenI really didn’t
have the actualability to match the demands placed on me my emotional
growth was harmed, my maturity was stifled, and I suffered a great deal.
Let me put it another way about how we live through our kids. We don’t let
kids play sandlot baseballanymore. We want them to play on organizedteams
hoping that they’ll one day be professionalsuperstars. We don’t just hope that
our child will be able to handle college ortrade schooland geta decent job so
he or she can support himself. As soonas we realize our child is bright we
begin dreaming of them being a greatdoctor or lawyer, being famous and
important. We push and push our children and heap praise after praise on
them. I remember a friend in college who committed suicide. He had gone to
college atonly 16 years old, gifted beyond his years. His name was Shelton
Darity. Such a nice kid. One day he drank a deadly poison whose name I can’t
remember and was found in his cubicle at the math building I believe. The
note he left said, “There’s nothing wrong. I’m just tired.” He always talked
about the high hopes his family had for him and how he just wanted to live a
normal life. But, when I went down to talk to the campus police with others
who knew him, stunned and grieving, all they talked about was his great
promise and the waste of his death. None of us really consideredthat he had
been pushed too far, praisedtoo much, and not afforded the right to just be a
person.
Now, Shelton was a genius and I wasn’tso I’m not making a comparisonthat
way. My point is that flattery, excessive approval, praise, and blessing is not
necessarilya goodthing. It can leadto pride or it can lead to despair, fearing
that you can’t measure up to what’s expectedof you.
I remember someone who used to be a preacherwriting, and I can’t
remember where it was or who said it, but it was someone who seemedto be

gifted at speaking and putting the Bible in context but everyone “wanteda
piece of him” and eventually he could not take the pressure to be perfect, to
always have the next sermon be more brilliant than any previous, to be
terrified of making a mistake or having people pick apart his moral failings,
no matter how small. He finally gave up the ministry because he just came to
believe that he would eventually let everyone down.
Many preachers and teachers have dealt with the excessive praise and blessing
that becomes a curse because it is accompaniedby expectations that are
unreasonable and unfair. I am reminded again of the gifted child having
scholarships and praise heaped upon him but not being allowedto learn and
grow like a normal human being and being expectedto be perfect.
So, in this respect, try to think of this Proverb the next time your child scores
the home run, the touchdown, or aces the big exam, and someone tells you
how they’re going to go far and should look into this or that schoolor
program for the gifted. Be very carefulabout how much praise you heap on
them, rising early in the morning with a loud voice. Your blessings may
become a curse.
Postedby Frederick Widdowson
Proverbs 27:14

When is a blessing a curse? Whenit is flattery! Payno attention to excessive
blessings, compliments, or praise! They are actually a curse, for there is a
false or foolish motive behind them (26:24-28;29:5). The person has already
deceivedyou, or he is about to deceive you. Godly men are not moved by
flattery, nor do they give flattery to others.
The man here praises his friend with a loud voice. What does this sound level
tell us about the blessing? It indicates an insincere display rather than a holy
and noble compliment. He intends for the friend and others to hear the
blessing. The loud praise is excessive,becauseit is flattery. He is using a
blessing for other than friendly edification.
He rises early in the morning to praise his friend. What does this timing tell us
about the blessing? It indicates a compliment and praise out of place and
proportion, for there are other more important things to be done in the
morning. The untimely praise is excessive, because itis flattery. He is using a
blessing for other than friendly edification.
The flattery here is betweenfriends. If an enemy used a loud voice early in the
morning to praise you, it would be easyto know it was false and dangerous
(Ps 5:8-10). But when it is betweenfriends, it is much harder to see its danger
(29:5). Wise men, who value soberwarnings, will steelthemselves against
excessive compliments, evenfrom friends.
God hates flattery. Flatteryis a compliment or praise to getanother person to
believe or do something wrong. It is a trait of depraved men (Ps 5:9). Whores
use it to seduce men (6:24; 7:21), and Israel used it to secure God's
deliverance from enemies (Ps 78:34-37). Godwill cut off all flatterers and
blind their children (Job 17:5; Ps 12:1-3)!
Goodmen will not give flattering titles to men (Job 32:21-22), though very
popular in religion (Matt 23:6-12). Most ministers use "Reverend" or
"Father" to demand flattery from others! Paul never used flattery when in
Thessalonica,whichis totally contrary to the manipulating and stroking
teachers so popular today (I Thess 2:5). True ministers will not flatter: they
will name sins, name names, and take no prisoners (II Cor10:4-6)!

In a marketing era, image is more important than content, appearance than
performance, and perception than reality; so it is easyto approve flattery.
Sanguines have the temperament for it; salesmenare taught to do it. Rather
than objectively present a product by its factual merits, they promote things
with loud flattery and feigned friendliness. Compliments from a salesman
about any personalmatters are manifestly insincere.
Talk is cheap. Wise men ignore most bad things said about them (Eccl7:21-
22), and they ignore all goodthings said about them (27:14,21)!One actof
true kindness is more meaningful than many exuberant blessings. Correction
and rebuke are far more valuable for prosperity and successthan any
compliment. It is a duty for saints to think soberly of themselves, but this is
hard to do, if you enjoy the praise of men (29:5; Rom 12:3).
Saul flattered David by offering him his two daughters, intending to use the
bait to kill him by the Philistines (I Sam 18:17-25). Absalomflattered the men
of Israel to stealtheir loyalty from his father David, king of Israel(II Sam
15:1-6). The citizens of Tyre and Sidon flattered Herod, but God had him
eatenby worms for accepting it (Acts 12:21-23).
All praise is not sin. Praise to geta person to believe or do something wrong is
sin. Jesus commended His disciples (Luke 22:28). Paul mentioned a fellow
believer, who was praised in all the churches (II Cor 8:18). Paul praised
Corinth (I Cor 11:2). Paul praisedTimothy (Phil 2:19-22). And both husband
and children will praise the virtuous womanfor her diligent and noble efforts
(Pr 31:28-31). Subversive praise, or flattery, is sin.
Praise severelytests a man's character(27:21). Mostmen are vulnerable to
flattery, from men or women; they believe the praise is true, and they will
compromise to get more of it (29:5). But a wise man will prefer the rebuke of a
sincere friend above the kiss of an enemy (27:5-6). Jesus, the greatestexample
for every believer, did what He could to hinder praise and popularity (Mark
7:36). Take heedthat you forgetcompliments!
http://fgbt.org/proverbs/27_14.htm

I wonderedabout this verse when I first read it. I wondered how the authors
of the commentaries came up with their notes on it. Their "take" onthe verse
was that it meant someone who blesses and praises their neighbor (or friend,
or child) lavishly and excessively.
Then I recalledthe verse in I Chronicles 23 that says, "Theywere also to
stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD. They were to do the
same in the evening."
There are many other verses that considergiving praise to God in the
morning, as well as noon and in the evening.
So, the implication here is that Solomon is talking about blessing and praising
a person with regularity, as you would the Lord. Well, you can see that if you
were to do that regularly, routinely, almost ritually, it could become quite
annoying . . . it might also cause some problems!
Now, when blessings cross overthe line and become flattery, it cantempt
someone to begin believing a higher opinion of themselves -- and that can lead
to the sin of pride. It canalso lead to some mighty large expectations.
Let's considertwo examples:
First, there are preachers and pastors that are gifted with talents from God.
They are particularly skilledat "saying the right things" to hurting
individuals, or at preaching a sermonthat meets the needs of many that hear
it. It's always goodto let them know that you appreciate their study, their
delivery, and their bringing God's Word to life for us, but if we ladle on the
praise too much, we may begin to expecttoo much from them. We canbe in
danger of being disappointed at some point in the future, because they are

human, after all. We may even cause them to be too hard on themselves, and
think they have let everyone down when they have a bad day or make a
mistake.
Secondly, if a child is perceived as gifted, with lots of potential for the future,
we may be tempted to push them further and fasterthan is healthy for them.
Our expectations ofthem will change, for we believe them to have superior
intelligence or physical skills. Children are especiallyvulnerable to this kind
of expectation, for they will try super-hard to meet those challenges andkeep
receiving the love and adulation that comes from the high performances they
deliver. They can hit the depths of despair when they are unable to deliver
what they feel is expectedof them. Whether it is in the sports arena or the
academic halls, we need to balance our praise and expectations forthem, with
our desire for them to be healthy in their outlook on life. Give them every
opportunity to shine, but also give them a chance to prove themselves in other
areas oftheir lives, as well.
Whether we are talking about adults, or about children, flattery and excessive
praise is not necessarilya positive thing. It can leadto pride, or it can leadto
despair, because the individual feels he or she can't measure up.
Now, am I saying that we can't give someone an"Attaboy" or a pat on the
back for the job well done?
Nope.
Let's just be careful not to ladle it on too thickly --- our blessings delivered
"loudly, in the morning," may end up being a curse.
CathyOctober25, 2012 at12:19 PM

I must confess that I read the verse for today, and chuckled at it a bit. I am
NOT a morning person. I have difficulty getting to sleep, and then staying
asleep. So, if one of our neighbours were to try and give me blessings earlyin
the morning, it would not be well received. LOL!
https://studyforwomen.blogspot.com/2012/10/proverbs-2714-excessive-
praise.html
I was looking around the web and through the Bible for funny Bible verses
and was amazedat the sheerlack of them. I guess nobody has really
researchedand sharedfunny Bible verses before. Yes, you can find stuff on
Google but they’re really not that funny (unless you find circumcision funny).
Ahhh…so I have a new project…researchtruly funny Bible verses and post
them for our readers. Maybe I can find the funniest Bible verse, or just list all
of the funy ones.
Today’s Bible quote is quite funny though…
“He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it
will be counted a curse to him.” – Proverbs 27:14 (New King James Version)
Have you ever been wokenup by someone flicking on the light, loudly opening
the shade, blaring music or yelling “rise and shine!”? Ugggh!!!!
Caution: even if your intentions are good, it’s almostalways a bad idea to
wake someone up loudly. http://bibleornot.org/funny-bible-verse-dont-wake-
me-up/
Can a blessing become a curse?

We've all heard about Goddividing the 12 tribes into two groups and having
6 tribes stand on Mt. Gerazim to pronounce blessings and the other 6 tribes to
stand on Mt. Ebal to pronounce curses.
Did you know that Godcan actually curse a blessing? Through the prophet
Malachi, God spoke these words to the priests - "If you do not hear and if you
do not put it into your heart to give glory to My Name, then I will send the
curse and I will curse your blessing and it will become accursedand it will no
longerbe among you."
What blessing is the Lord referring to? The blessing of the priesthood itself!
The privilege of being set apart unto God to draw near Him, minister to Him,
and intercede with Him on behalf of the people. This was the blessing given to
the Levites for standing with Moses andwielding a sword againsttheir own
brethren at the incident of the goldencalf.
But they had become unfaithful and corrupt, and being God's true
representatives was no longer the guiding principle of their hearts. So God
threatened them through the prophet that if they did not put it into their
heart to give Him glory - He would turn what was originally given to them as
a blessing into a curse because their actions were profaning His Holy Name.
Does Godstill threaten to turn a blessing into a curse? Do we have any cause
to fear this possibility? After all, we are blessedto be called the redeemed of
the Lord, a holy nation, a royal priesthood, a people for the Lord's renown!
Wow, what a blessing!
We have been given so much - but what is required of those who have been
given much? Is our motive for receiving God's blessing to give Him glory? Are

we the people bringing Him fame and renown? Is this the purpose of our
marriage? Is this why we are raising children? Is this the main purpose in our
vocation? Is this the deciding factorin how we make decisions with our time,
our resourcesand our liberties?
Have we put giving Him glory into our hearts? If we do not, and we become
corrupt, would God turn our blessing of being married into a curse? Would
He place a curse upon the blessing of our raising children? Would He curse
the work of our hands if we are not doing it unto Him to glorify His Name?
And IF He did curse our blessings, whatwould this curse look like? That's
simple - what happened to the fig tree when Jesus found no fruit on it? That's
right, it withered! It withered from the roots just like the desire for prayer,
meditation upon the word, the joy of worship, and serving others will wither if
these blessings become a curse.
What else might this curse look like - it might look just like the widow who
lives for pleasure - "dead being alive" - "having only a form of godliness but
denying the powerthereof." Or maybe a branch in Christ no longerabiding
and bearing any fruit, having withered.
But did Paul ever express such concerns? Yes, remember when he wrote -
"No, I beat my body and make it my slave, lestafter having preachedto
others .....I myself should be rejected...hmmmm". What about Peter, did he
considerthis a possibility for a believer? Yes! "It would have been better for
them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it to
turn their back on the sacredcommandment.... for them the last state is worse
than the first. (How wretched a state when what had been such a blessing has
in the end become a curse)

I believe Godhas not changed, He is still today as He was when He spoke to
the priests through Malachi, and therefore we would be wise to give all the
more earnestheed to the things we have heard ....forhow shall we escapeif we
neglectso greata salvation. Were not these things written down for our
admonition?
We are a kingdom of priest - and the reasonwe have been given this blessing
is to bring God glory. We are the salt of the earth to bring Him glory, to be a
people for His renown. What will happen to us if we lose this purpose? I was
soberedby these thoughts today.
http://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=54598&
forum=35
When Did Your Blessings Become Curses?
By Steven Furtick -
October27, 2011
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Abbey was crying obnoxiously one night recently. In the early days of your
baby’s life, you think crying is cute. As time goes on, you think it’s a curse.

I started to complain a little to myself, but then God cut me off with a
question:
You prayed for that baby, and now you’re complaining about a blessing that
you wanted me to bring into your life?
That will shut you up quickly.
It’s interesting how God’s blessings canbecome our curses. What you spent so
much time praying for or thanking God for eventually becomes something
you complain about. From my experience, it usually happens right about the
time that the blessing leads to an inconvenience. In my case, it was sleep. But
it could be anything.
My guess is that the same has happened to you in some capacity. When did
your blessings become curses?
Maybe it was when you beggedGod to grow your church. But then you
started to complain about your lack of space whenHe did.
Maybe it was when you finally got married, but then realized that the person
you married wasn’ta mirror image of yourself. And they wouldn’t change.
Maybe it was when you got a significant raise, but then realized there were
significant taxes to go along with it.
Whenever it was and whatever it was about, it’s time to regain some
perspective. After all, why would God continue to bless people who convert
His blessings into curses?
For me, one realizationhas helped more than any:

Many times, your curses are really just high-class problems other people
would consider themselves blessedto have.
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People would die to have your church’s growing pains.
People would die to getmarried.
People would die to have a job, much less get a raise.
So I think we can learn to live with our blessings, evenif they include a few
accompanying inconveniences. https://churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-
blogs/154079-steven_furtick_when_did_your_blessings_become_curses.html
author:
Joe Wells
Guilt: A Blessing anda Curse

It’s both a blessing and a curse. An instrument used by Satanto cause us to
sink into a greatpit of despairand a wonderful tool which allows us the
opportunity to take serious inventory of our lives and our behaviors.
To what am I referring? Guilt.
Defined by Merriam-Websteras (1) responsibility for a crime or for doing
something bad or wrong or (2) a bad feeling causedby knowing or thinking
that you have done something bad or wrong, it is easyto see why this subject
can be complex. Why do we experience guilt? Is guilt a blessing, or a curse?
How should we respond when we feelguilt? .
Why We Experience Guilt:
1. We’ve Violated A Standard
Every human, regardless oftheir stances (politically, morally, religiously),
have standards we believe and live by. For some, those standards may be very
humanistic, allowing one’s own personalstandards to be the bar. For others,
there may be an objective standard such as Godand His Word. No matter
which one of these you may fall in to (and chances are, at times, many fall into
both of them), all humans have a standard. If you think about it, every society
has laws by which we must comply. Schools have standards, jobs require a
certain level of conduct, and families may have specific standards unique to
them. In all, there is a serious web of standards, and “guiltiness” is at times
achievedupon the breaking of said standards.
2. We Think We Have Done Wrong
Have you ever heard the saying “perceptionis reality”? I have. However,
simply hearing it doesn’tmake it true in every case. Sometimes,whatone
perceives is based upon a very small portion of the overallpicture. A man
feels he’s done wrong at work and let his boss down, only to find out that one
of his co-workers sethim up for failure, making it impossible to succeed. A
woman feels she is failing as a wife and mother because she “can’tkeepup;”
however, when considering the biggerpicture, she has createda home where
her family is well caredfor and loved, and God is central. In both cases, the

guilt is a result of a perceivedwrong, not necessarilyan actualwrong. Their
feelings are overriding the reality of the situation.
At times, this guilt is placed upon us by others as a way to gain a response
which is favorable to them. In other words, they place a “guilt-trip” on you.
It’s still perceived as reality, and unless a standard has truly been violated,
this form of guilt-placing is intended to manipulate and control.
What Response ShouldWe Have:
1. Ask for Forgivenessand Change
If you’ve truly violated a standard, you must either change the standard or
change the behavior. The reality is, for those people who live basedon their
own morality and desires, it may be easyto change the standard; however, for
those who live and use God and His word as their standard, we don’t have the
option to change the standard. Repentance must take place and forgiveness
must be sought. The same should be saidfor a violation committed against
another commitment we’ve made (job, school, spouse, family, etc.). Seek
forgiveness and change. Once this is done, you must acceptthe factthat God
can and does forgive, you can forgive yourself, and those whom you’ve hurt
are also capable offorgiveness. Acceptforgiveness.
2. Don’t Assume Unmerited Guilt
Be it either a guilt-trip or an inaccurate assessmentof a situation, I strongly
encourage youto not assume guilt. Satanis goodat making us feelinadequate.
Thoughts such as “I’m not a good-enoughfather” or “I’m a failure as a
mother” are damaging and often cause us to view every relationship and
situation we encounterthrough these clouded lenses. Godgave you the ability
to feel guilt; however, Satanwill hijack this blessing and use it for his
purposes. Unfortunately, others will try and use guilt to manipulate you into
doing or responding the way they would like. Whether or not you go along
with them is not the issue. However, if you see that their desires for you aren’t
the best, there should be no guilt assumedas long as you do not violate the will
of God.

It has been said that guilt is like the red light that comes on the dashboard
when there’s a problem with the vehicle. You caneither pull over and deal
with it or break the light. When guilt approaches you, first stopand consider
why you are feeling this way. If it’s because the guilt is merited, you must
repent, asking for forgiveness—andyou must acceptthe forgiveness Godand
others give. However, if,–afterevaluating the reasonofthe guilt—you find the
guilt to be false, don’t allow the guilt to set in. Don’t let Satan and others have
this controlover you.
BLESSINGS CAN BE A CURSE SCRIPTURE ASSISTANCERevelation
3:14-22
In Revelation2-3, Jesus writes letters to sevenchurches. The letter to the
church at Laodicea is the last one. Laodicea was a wealthy and proud city, one
of only 25 free cities of Rome. It was on a major trade route and became a
large banking and commerce center. Adding to its wealth was a large clothing
industry—it was known for a black woolcloth that was shiny. If you wanted
luxury clothing, Laodicea was probably the first place you would go. In
addition, they had what was consideredthe world’s bestmedical center and
school, and they exported all kinds of medicines around the world, including
an eye salve that could cure various eye diseases.
A church had formed in Laodicea, andso one of the letters in Revelationis
directed to them. Jesus is straightforward and full of rebuke in His messageto
them. He compares them to lukewarm water, which would have connected
with them immediately. In spite of all its wealth, Laodicea had a poor water
supply. North of them was a city that had hot springs. To the south of them
was Colosse, whichhad really greatcold springs that produced refreshing
water. But Laodicea had to import its waterin, which left it with a lukewarm
taste and a cloudy and unappealing look.
Jesus is clearly frustrated for a few reasons. First, the Laodiceans were self-
sufficient (Revelation3:17). They thought they were good, but in fact, they

were sorelylacking because they weren’t dependent on God. That’s why Jesus
said being poor is a spiritual advantage because it’s easierto live a God-
focused, kingdom-orientedlife when you have to rely on God for everything.
Second, the Laodiceans were distractedby stuff (Revelation13:18). They had
money and clothes, but it was getting them nowhere significant. Wealth so
easilyleads to a shallow life because stuff is distracting.
Third, they were self-focused(Revelation3:15-16). Financialblessing is meant
to be a blessing to others;it’s meant to be shared. The Laodiceans were
blessedwith wealth, but they were not being a blessing. When we read about
Jesus calling them lukewarm, we may think He is talking about spiritual
fervor and the temperature of our relationship with God. But Jesus is focused
on their deeds. He’s saying, “Your deeds aren’t hot like the healing hot
springs of Hierapolis, and they aren’t refreshing like the cold springs of
Colosse. Theyare just lukewarm. You aren’t refreshing and you aren’t
healing, and that makes me sick.”
Like a goodparent, Jesus is disciplining this church to hope they repent. He
tells them He is ready to be at the center of their lives if they are willing to let
Him in. The challenge, though, is this church alreadythought He was at the
center. But He is letting them know that’s not the case.
https://www.chaseoaks.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/AC-Honest-Slogans-
Leader-Notes-Blessings-Can-Be-a-Curse.pdf
For physicians, medical knowledge canbe both a blessing and a curse
Chiduzie Madubata, MD | Physician | June 12, 2015
“Knowledge is power.” The words of Sir Francis Baconstill ring true almost
400 years later. Forthe most part, knowledge canprovide the power to
change lives, change communities and change the world. People born in
adverse conditions canpotentially improve their circumstances with a degree

from higher education, and it is why the first college degree ina family is
celebratedso much since it symbolizes the potential of a child to go farther
than his parents did. It is why in so many families, hard work in schoolis
emphasized, since the knowledge we gainfrom that hard work cangive us the
powerto controlour future destiny. And in some instances, that knowledge
can give us the power to save the lives of people that we encounter, or so I
learned as a student in medical school.
From the beginning of medical schoolalmost10 years ago, eachday was full
of lectures that we had to follow up with hours of reading. At times, it was
grueling, but it was a necessaryexercise to go through in order to develop as a
future doctor. In the hours spent in the library, I learned about how different
diseasespresented, how certain drugs worked, and how to apply all that
knowledge to treat the patients that I would soonencounterin my training.
We focusedon symptoms and how they progressedovertime in certain
conditions. The occasional problem with that knowledge,however, was the
potential of self-diagnosis. If my fellow classmatesandI had a particular
symptom, we would immediately go to the most terrifying disease andworry
ourselves unnecessarily. It would always turn out to be nothing, but in those
brief moments of fear, I started to realize that maybe medical knowledge
might not be as greatas I thought it was.
Howeversilly those moments may seemto me now, I realized how important
they were in terms of helping me figure out how to assesssymptoms in a way
that can leadto more refined diagnoses using the knowledge thatI learned in
medical school. Applying that knowledge is a particular art, I was told, and
that it is all part of the “art of medicine,” an art that allows you to look
beyond the textbooks to treat the personin front of you. It is an art that also
takes into accountthe social, emotionaland spiritual aspects ofthe individual,
aspects that many of my medical textbooks did not choose to explore too often.

Over the years, I have had the honor of treating thousands of patients while
refining this particular art in the process.
Eventually, I encountered those “terrifying diseases”that scaredme and my
classmatesduring our training, such as the progressionofcanceror the rapid
spread of a rare infection. Many of the patients with these conditions have
either died or had significant complications that have foreveraltered their
lives. Throughout the course of their illness, many of the symptoms they had
and the side effects of the medications they receivedwere all according to the
textbook. Many times, the focus would be on promoting comfort insteadof
active treatment given the mostly poor prognosis, and thankfully, the
knowledge available with regards to medications used for symptomatic relief
gave me and my colleagues the powerto provide comfortfor these patients in
their last days. However, when someone youlove gets diagnosedwith one of
these diseases, the feeling of being powerful through knowledge suddenly
changes.
Over the years, I have learned about some of my friends who have had to deal
with particular illnesses thathave altered the course oftheir lives. For the rest
of their lives, they have to undergo certain treatments or take certain
medications to stabilize their illnesses. It is one thing to make sure one of your
cancerpatients receives chemotherapywhile they are in the hospital; it is
another to sit across from your friend in an outpatient cancercenterwhile she
is receiving treatment. It is one thing to write an order for insulin to be given
to a diabetic patient; it is another to watch your friend give himself insulin
prior to eating lunch with you. The challenge with having this medical
knowledge is that you know aheadof time the potential possibilities of how a
disease may progress orhow a medication canaffect a person’s body. The
problem with this is that you cannot stop how your loved one may feelafter a
particular treatment or after a progressionof their illness. Those are the times
when there are exceptions to Sir Bacon’s words;even with this medical
knowledge I obtained, I felt powerless in those moments.

For those who choose to go into medicine as a profession, one must be
prepared to encounterthis paradox, that the medical knowledge we learnover
the years to help others can also be what causes us the most anxiety when we
walk alongside the ones we love during their periods of illness. It is a
professionthat gives us the most potential to significantly change the life of
someone else forthe better if we use that knowledge the waywe are supposed
to, but in a way, it makes us see into the future with regards to certain
illnesses. Sometimes,the writing on the wall does not look that great, and it is
all the more difficult when our loved one is involved. At times, the medical
knowledge we have can be a blessing when used to improve our patients’ lives
for the better, but it can also be a curse if we have a loved one dealing with an
illness that we know does not have a goodprognosis aheadof time. In those
times, perhaps we can put aside our medical caps and instead be a friend, a
child or a parent, and use the knowledge we have gainedfrom caring for
others in a way that can give us the powerto provide friendship and comfort
for those who need it during their most vulnerable times in their illness.
Chiduzie Madubata is a cardiologyfellow.
Dr. Barbara Greenberg
Clinical Psychologist
Beauty: A Blessing and a Curse?
You may have lookedat the title of this article and gotten a bit confused. For
goodness sake,is there a woman in the world who would not give her right
arm to be beautiful; to get that extra bit of attention that those radiant women
seemto get so easily; those stares that those women who seemto glitter as they

walk by seem to getjust by being; that extra bit of attention at stores, atwork,
and certainly from the opposite sex?
Well, let me tell you sisters:Beautyis in facta blessing and a curse. Yes, you
get a lot of male attention from all sorts of sources and it’s not always easyto
decipher if it’s attention that you want or don’t want. Yes, your car may get
extra attention at the car wash, but maybe you are in a rush and really don’t
have that extra time. Yep, the guy at the dry cleaner’s may getyour stuff
ready by the next day but at a price, darlings. He expects you to spend a little
time interacting with him. And you just might have other things on your
mind. And indeed the beautiful women may make poor choices whenpicking
partners because men don’t come with signs indicating the quality of their
characterand just because we have the gift of beauty doesn’t mean we also
have the gift of good judgment. The guy who you may easilysize up as a
potential soul-lacking partner may seduce the beautiful womeninto thinking
that only he really understands us. Beautyand goodjudgment do NOT come
as a package.
Next time you find yourselfin the cubicle at work next to a visually delightful
looking woman or even at a party or any other event or meeting place, I ask
that you have a bit of specialempathy for the “beauty.” Her visual charm
does not mean that she is immune from pain and suffering. It doesn’t mean
that she won’t be delighted if you ask her how she is doing or whether or not
she, too, might like a cup of coffee. And she may not be feeling so beautiful
internally. Please don’t make any assumptions about her life. Yep, she may
have her share of dates, but she may be very lonely. Your simple bit of
attention may just make her day.
Another thing that this group of glittery women would like you to know is that
their beauty often comes ata high costboth time wise and financially. That
woman does not roll out of bed with glitter on her eyelids and with that totally
hip outfit on. She usually works at it. She’s likely working hard to maintain
those looks that simply required a bar of soap, some jeans and a hooded

sweatshirtat age 15. Now, she is likely spending hours getting facials, fighting
wrinkles, exercising, eating in a healthy fashionand praying that she has a
goodset of genes that will see her through the later years of her life with her
beauty intact.
I say give this woman a break, look into her eyes, and see if she might need a
bit of attention that is not basedon her appearance. Youwill have done a
gooddeed. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/women-and-beauty_b_2010635
Is Wealth a Blessing ora Curse?
Postedon November 23, 2012 by Lee — 16 Comments
John McAfee in Belize
As I write this, John McAfee is on the lam. Yes, the founder of antivirus
software giantMcAfee Inc. has now apparently been classifiedas a human
“virus” by the police in the small Central American country of Belize, where
McAfee has made his home since 2008. Theyare hunting for him as a “person
of interest” in the murder of his American expatriate neighbor Gregory Faull.
McAfee denies that he had anything to do with the murder. But he has gone
into hiding, fearing that if the police catchhim, they will kill him.
In a recently launched blog, McAfee alleges thathe is being unfairly targeted
by police and the media. However, the recently releasede-book John
McAfee’s LastStand, by Wired magazine contributing editor Joshua Davis,
paints a picture of McAfee as a man possessedby “ambition, paranoia, sex,
and madness.”
For a timeline of John McAfee’s rise to wealth and his fall to being sought by
the police in connectionwith a murder, see John McAfee, From TechPioneer
to Murder Suspect.

John McAfee was once worth over $100 million. By 2009, his fortune had
plummeted to $4 million. And though much of that loss may have been due to
the recentcrashes in real estate and the stock market, it appears that
McAfee’s lifestyle may have had something to do with it as well.
In short, it seems that McAfee’s wealthhas been more of a curse than a
blessing. Insteadof doing goodand benefiting humanity, it appears that
McAfee used his money primarily to buy pleasure for himself and to satiate
his ownappetites.
That’s not what wealth was supposedto be about in the Bible. In Old
Testamenttimes, wealthwas considereda blessing that God conferred on the
righteous as a rewardfor their virtue.
By the time of the New Testament, the idea that wealth is a blessing from God
had come under fire. Whereas wealthhad formerly been seenas a signof
God’s favor, and as evidence that the personof wealthwas especially
righteous, in the New Testamentpoverty began to take on an aura of
spirituality.
Thus, in contrastto the Old Testamentview of wealthas a blessing, in the
New Testamentriches are often portrayed as an obstacle to attaining heaven,
and therefore as a curse.
Yet even in the New Testament, Jesus had both rich and poor followers.
So is wealtha blessing or a curse?
It all depends on the characterofthe personwith the wealth.
For those whose hearts are good, and who focus on doing God’s will by
serving and benefiting their fellow human beings, wealth is a blessing.
But for those whose hearts are greedyand self-centered, and who focus on
attaining power and pleasure for themselves, wealthis a curse.
Wealth itself is neutral. It canaccomplisheither good or evil. What wealth
confers on those who hold it is power to carry out their desires in a largerway
than is possible for those who are poor.

Laughter because of paradox

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