Questions & Answers - Good News Staff - November 1973

Good News Staff

QUESTION: "Please explain Proverbs 27:14 - 'He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.'" ANSWER: This short biblical verse represents just one proverb among many. Solomon actually spoke 3,000 in all, although only a part were penned for posterity (I Kings 4:32). Solomon gave the purpose of the Proverbs in chapter one: "To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity... to the young man knowledge and discretion" (verses 2-4). Proverbs 27:14 involves discretion. Trying to cheer up your friend with a loud voice, when he is trying to sleep, is hardly using discretion. And it is hardly loving your neighbor. It is about akin to the crowing of a noisy rooster. - Information Supplied By: Herbert W Armstrong Library